Do you use a mobile phone while driving?
@owlwings (43915)
Cambridge, England
December 21, 2007 4:12am CST
New directives for Dangerous Driving in the UK include using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. You could now be risking a jail sentence if you use a handheld mobile whilst driving in the UK. Hitherto it was subject to a charge of Careless Driving, which attracted a £60 fine and 3 points off your license (12 points is a disqualification).
I was recently in California (where driving laws seem to be more stringent than in other states) and saw many people using phones while driving. I was appalled by this and also by many other things which are accepted there but would be an offence in the UK (overtaking on the wrong side, for example).
Do you agree that talking on the phone while driving is dangerous? What are the laws on using a mobile while driving in your part of the world? Do you agree with them and observe them?
2 people like this
4 responses
@nannacroc (4049)
•
24 Dec 07
I don't drive but I have seen a couple of near misses when someone who was driving was on their mobile. As a passenger, it seems there is so much going on on the roads nowadays that no-one can afford to have any kind of distraction. Both of these near misses involved the car driver not seeing a motorbike so there could have been really serious accidents.
@dorypanda (1601)
•
21 Dec 07
I personally put my mobile 'phone in my bag if I'm driving or I put it in the glove box so as I don't even get tempted to answer it. If I know I'll be doing a journey where I can't pull over, I'll switch my 'phone off completely so as I won't even know it's ringing.
Using a mobile while driving IS dangerous, how can it not be? If you're using a mobile while you're driving you're holding the 'phone in one hand, not actually too difficult if you're driving an automtic car but if you're driving a manual (stick) then it's extremely difficult to drive. I certainly won't be using my mobile while I'm driving, I'd like to keep my licence, after all, I've only just got it!
I also saw a woman (on a motorway) applying her make-up with both hands as she was applying mascara she needed both hands and was actually driving with her knees, hopefully she got pulled over by the police at some point. She was swerving all over the place.
2 people like this
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
21 Dec 07
oh this is one of my pet hates, I feel like screaming at them when I see them, I saw a girl the other day doing a right hand turn and immediately after having to turn left while talking on her phone, what a fool, it is illegal here in Australia too but it doesn't seem to stop them.
