Using mobile phone while driving: 6 penalty points + £200 fine

[Claretmatt4]

I never thought I would see someone trying to justify drink driving on the grounds that it is safer than using a mobile at the wheel.

Go on I'll humor you, where has drink driving been justified on this thread?

[Sidney1st]

I'm curious to know where it's been justified too.

[Damo]

My point about smoking is people are seemingly allowed to faff about sorting their cigarettes out, light them etc but that's fine.
Playing with a mobile isn't.
Eating and drinking whilst driving can also land someone in trouble depending on the mood of the copper.

Just looking for fairness that's all.

As for using sat navs, no issue for those that want to use them, just the bell ends who stick them in their line of sight because their ability to drive is so bad they can't do anything else.

Should we only ban the things you have issue with then?
I personally think they are distracting. People who use them have to take their eyes off the road while doing so. Plenty of cases of people following directions over cliffs and into rivers too.
Also I'd like to add adjusting climate control to the banned list while we are at it. Another distraction

[ClaretAndJew]

I've spoken to my Mum today and issued her with a 12 month ban.

[Sidney1st]

Should we only ban the things you have issue with then?
I personally think they are distracting. People who use them have to take their eyes off the road while doing so. Plenty of cases of people following directions over cliffs and into rivers too.
Also I'd like to add adjusting climate control to the banned list while we are at it. Another distraction

Now you're being daft

Cheers for missing the point though.

If you want to add daft things to the list, stick on playing with the radio if you wouldn't mind, ta.
I had someone drive into the side of one of my cars once because instead of paying attention when he was pulling out of a junction he decided to play with his radio at the same time.
I'm just glad a pedestrian spotted it

[Funkydrummer]

They want to do something about the gormless b@st@rds who walk around with their
snouts in a mobile 'phone too. They haven't a clue half the time of where they are or
the danger they are sometimes in. If it wasn't for alert motorists I am sure there would be
a lot more accidents on our roads.

Shoot 'em all, I say. Personal communication is unheard of for some of these knuckleheads.

[DCWat]

They could definitely do with a clamp down on those smoking spliffs whilst driving - many a time I'm behind a car and the distinctive smell comes through the air con, from the car in front.

[evensteadiereddie]

Did we find the post that was supposed to be justifying drink driving ?

[Sidney1st]

Not yet.

[Rick_Muller]

Did we find the post that was supposed to be justifying drink driving ?

I think it was referring to this mate...

I think it is in most cases. I have driven whilst over the limit and no, I wouldn't dream of doing it now but when I did, I tended to concentrate even more than usual.

But I think most of us can understand what you were trying to say and not misinterpret it as condoning drink driving. I don't believe I have ever been over the limit, but in my younger days I would risk just 1 pint sometimes and, like you said, I ended up concentrating so much more because of it. Wouldn't dream of it now though, not even one, I realise that even just one is enough to impair my judgement - oh, and the fact I don't drink anymore either...

[Rick_Muller]

As for using sat navs, no issue for those that want to use them, just the bell ends who stick them in their line of sight because their ability to drive is so bad they can't do anything else.

Sid, found this quoted on the Idiot UK Drivers Exposed post about the issue on Facebook

WHAT IS THE LAW CONCERNING USING MOBILES WHILE DRIVING?
Ordinarily it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device - such as a sat nav or camera - while driving or riding a motorcycle.
These rules apply even while stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
Motorists can only use a hand-held mobile in the case of a genuine emergency that requires a 999/112 call and it is not safe or impractical to pull over and park.
Drivers are obliged to remain in full control of their vehicles at all time.
If a police officer feels the motorist is not in full control because they are tuning their radio or using a sat-nav or phone in a cradle, they can face prosecution.
Drivers supervising learner drivers or riders are also banned from using hand-held devices despite being in a the passenger seat.
Motorists can only use a hand-held device if their car is safely parked in an appropriate location.
Pulling over to the hard shoulder to take or make a call could result in prosecution.
Breaching the legislation can result in 6 penalty points and a fine of £200.
If the case goes to court, the driver or rider could face a ban and a maximum fine of £1,000.
Drivers of buses or goods vehicles face higher fines of £2,500.
Motorists with their phones or sat navs attached to their
windscreens can also face prosecution, if the area swept by the windscreen wipers is obscured.

https://www.facebook.com/Idiotukdrivers ... 0771648537" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So it appears, if this is correct, that having a massive tablet in your line of sight is deemed illegal if it sits within the sweep of the wipers - good.

[Sidney1st]

It's time they enforced the law then in regards to that Rick.

Numerous times I see people with their sat nav/device in front of their face instead of off to the side...

[FactualFrank]

Ultimately, the most sensible option is that when you're behind the wheel of the car just do one thing - drive.

[1968claret]

Ultimately, the most sensible option is that when you're behind the wheel of the car just do one thing - drive.

Take your point. But in that case should we not be telling motor manufacturers to stop adding all these gadgets to the cockpit of the car?

[Sidney1st]

The new Range Rover Velar has x2 10" Screens in the dash instead of dials or buttons.

Can't play with your phone, but don't worry the dash is something you can play with.

[karatekid]

Anyway it will soon be OK to do whatever you want when out and about in your car. Driverless cars are coming to a road near you. It will be the pedestrians that will need to have their wits about them