December 1, 2003

Mobile Phone Ban

So, the new law came into force from midnight today...

I must say, I support this move 100%. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is incredibly dangerous and should have been made illegal a long time ago. Having suffered an accident in which the car I was driving was written off because the dozy git behind me was too engrossed in his phone conversation to see that the traffic had stopped I have long been an advocate for zero-tolerance on mobile phone use while driving.

While out today I spotted at least 4 drivers with phones up to their ears. This dangerous behaviour appears to be becoming endemic.

Amazingly it seems that the general public are saying they are either confused or oblivious to the new law. Apparently a survey has shown that 94% of those questioned are completely oblivious to the new law. I find this astonishing given the amount of publicity the change has had on the news and via radio adverts.

And to those who say they are confused here is my quick and easy summary of the law... If the engine is running and you are in traffic or the vehicle is moving you are committing an offence by so much as holding the phone in your hand.

It's pretty easy really... Get a handsfree kit installed. A properly fitted handsfree kit is less than 100 quid on the high street now so there really is no excuse. Anyway, NO phone call is so important that it needs to distract you while you're driving. Surely?

I have no sympathy for those who insist on carrying on using their mobile phones while driving and then moan about the fine (a paltry 30 ukp rising to 1000 ukp if it goes to court). You've had enough notice of the change in the law! Roll on the eventual 60 ukp fine and automatic 3 points on your driving licence... Even 60 quid is not enough, I'd seriously like to see a real deterrent - something like a 250 quid fine + 3 points rising to 5000 ukp + 6 points if it goes to court and you're convicted would do nicely.

Use the two month grace period that the Wales and English police forces have given you to get a proper handsfree kit installed! In Scotland the new law is already being enforced and quite rightly IMHO.

Posted by Garry at December 1, 2003 2:09 PM
Comments

Well I used a phone in the car in the past.. but I don't think I, or anyone, could argue that the ban isn't a good idea.

All I'd say is that cell phone use is in my opinion much less distracting than say having two (or more) screaming babies in the back, front, anywhere they can find space to stuff another offspring.

Then there are the radio listening... the ones that lean towards the radio and seem to only be able to pay attention to it if they STARE at the radio.

How about the map readers? Maps in front of the wheel unfolded and flapping in front of their view.

..and we haven't mentioned the "stare into the mirror and put make up on" morning drivers or the too busy smoking to look where they're going people etc.

I think cell phones have been picked on as the trendy thing to specifically ban when a more robust "without care and attention" act would have been more effective.

Posted by: Keith at December 1, 2003 4:58 PM

There are many things that distract drivers, and I do find the more thought I put to this the more I do think the ban is good. One less thing to cause accidents, so, when will Canada follow this??? I can only hope it happens. OH... this really should not be a problem for people, over time, as cell phone service does have the ability to have ansering service too...so for the person that just can not miss a call, they can have messages taken, and when they are parked they can listen and return calls.

Posted by: Desiree at December 5, 2003 5:02 AM