Texting drivers to be fined

[Kendhni]

it appears that texting drivers to get harsher fines.

Given the number of people i see using hand held mobile phones (for texting and making calls) every day it obviously is not much of a deterrent. Personally I think it should be treated the same as drink driving and, now that the honeymoon period is over, there should be an automatic loss of licence for 1 year.

[Jan Rosser]

I'll second that Ken - it is so dangerous and distracting using a mobile phone whilst driving the penalties should be higher but people continue to do it and it makes me so angry. My new car has Bluetooth and my son has matched up my phone so that I can answer calls and use it hands free but I can't do it - I find it a bit unnerving and have to pull over or call back - I cannot concentrate on both and whatever the reason for the call it can surely wait until there is a chance to stop and take the call. However did we manage before mobile phones - they are like an extension of their arm for some people - grrrr this ranks as one of my top pet hates - I really wish more people were caught.

[david63]

As far as I am concerned the only people that can have any justification for answering a phone in a car, be it hands free or not, are the likes of doctors and other emergency services who are on call - for everyone else it should be illegal. There is nothing that cannot wait until you stop and even if it is an emergency that in all probability there is nothing that you can do about it - in fact there is an argument that knowing about some emergency situation whilst driving could in itself affect your driving.

With today's technology it should be possible to block the use of a mobile phone when the ignition of a car is switched on - and yes that would apply to passengers as well.

[Mo2013]

Not sure how this will be enforced. A few months ago I was a passenger in a car and saw a girl driver using her mobile phone. I called 101 I think it is, and spoke to someone in my local police force and gave her a description of the car and the registration number. Unfortunately, there was nothing the police could do unless they had themselves witnessed the driver using the phone. However, a note would be made and if this driver was spotted by police using her mobile phone, there would be a record of a previous instance. My brother in law sold his car to a neighbour. He was shocked to receive a ticket from the police saying that he had been seen using a mobile phone whilst driving. Of course, it wasn't him, but the neighbour. I would like to see very severe penalties for using a phone, or eating and drinking whilst driving. Those who do these things cannot be in full control of the vehicle and are a real threat to the safety of other road users.

[Manoverboard]

... With today's technology it should be possible to block the use of a mobile phone when the ignition of a car is switched on - and yes that would apply to passengers as well.

Not at all keen on that idea, falls a tad flat in a breakdown situation on a freezing cold night in the middle of nowhere .... imo.

[david63]

If you have broken down anywhere at any time then you will, in all probability, have the ignition turned off therefore your phone will work.

[Manoverboard]

Not if it's a puncture or any other non electrical fault ?

[Mervyn and Trish]

The problem with any technological solution is it would take years to filter through.

But I'm with Ken - it should be an automatic ban. And if an accident actually occurs, an automatic prison sentence. The message would then soon get through.

At the moment it is considered by the irresponsible to be like speeding. Officialdom interfering with their right to do what they like, and limited risk of getting caught. If they do get caught what's three points to them? As long as they don't get caught more than once a year or so, no problem!

[Mervyn and Trish]

Not if it's a puncture or any other non electrical fault ?

But it's still not difficult to turn the key off! However, my point above is it would take years till all cars were so fitted.

[Kendhni]

... so until then take the licence off these criminals.

As one chief constable suggested, a person using a hand held mobile phone has no more control over the car as a drunk driver.

[Kendhni]

Not if it's a puncture or any other non electrical fault ?

But you would still be stopped and have the ability to turn the engine off to make a phone call???

[Mervyn and Trish]

... so until then take the licence off these criminals.

As one chief constable suggested, a person using a hand held mobile phone has no more control over the car as a drunk driver.

Take the licences anyway Ken. Why make us sensible types pay for the technology?

[david63]

Why make us sensible types pay for the technology?

Because there is nothing stopping a person without a licence carrying on driving and still using a phone

[Mervyn and Trish]

Why make us sensible types pay for the technology?

Because there is nothing stopping a person without a licence carrying on driving and still using a phone

You're right David - like the scumbags do already. I've never understood how banning someone from driving works when their offence was driving without a licence.

So it'll have to be the birch and thumbscrews then. Sore thumbs should stop them texting again.

[Manoverboard]

Not if it's a puncture or any other non electrical fault ?

But you would still be stopped and have the ability to turn the engine off to make a phone call???

Yes but in most cases you are called back when the phone isn't working or does one stand out in the cols cold snow waiting for a call ?

I DON'T WANT ONE !!!

[Quizzical Bob]

As far as I am concerned the only people that can have any justification for answering a phone in a car, be it hands free or not, are the likes of doctors and other emergency services who are on call - for everyone else it should be illegal. There is nothing that cannot wait until you stop and even if it is an emergency that in all probability there is nothing that you can do about it - in fact there is an argument that knowing about some emergency situation whilst driving could in itself affect your driving.

With today's technology it should be possible to block the use of a mobile phone when the ignition of a car is switched on - and yes that would apply to passengers as well.

There are many occasions where a passenger would want to make a phone call, and why not? Sometimes a call to let someone know that the party will arrive later can lead to a more relaxed drive.

[sumdumbloke]

Trouble with making it equal to other transgressions is that that can simply serve to make the other transgressions seem less severe. Personally, though I agree it's dangerous, it's not in the same league as a drunk with befuddled reactions sitting behind a wheel.

Fiddling with a keypad is dangerous, but that's what hands-free systems are for. My own phone integrates with the car's bluetooth system so that everything is voice activated. That makes it no more dangerous than a radio or a conversation with a passenger.

I do agree though that some of the so called hands-free systems are close to useless, and the law should recognise that. There should be a proper definition of hands-free, and it shouldn't include a simple earpiece, as it does today.

[Dancing Queen]

About time they started clamping down on these idiots I see it all the time,there is absolutely no deterent at all, hit them where it hurts and they might think twice before doing it again

Now is it still ok to put your lippy and mascara on as you are using your mirror

[June1969]

Hi All
We followed a driver along a dual carriageway yesterday, he was clearly texting or playing a game. Every time the traffic slowed down he went to his phone and he was always slow to move off his his eyes were looking down to his lap.

I could see this clearly as the passenger. I like the sound of David 63 's comment and suggestions.

June

[david63]

Now is it still ok to put your lippy and mascara on as you are using your mirror

Would that be your rear view mirror or your wing mirror?

[Mervyn and Trish]

Using a mirror at all would be progress for some of the numpties!

[Dancing Queen]

Now is it still ok to put your lippy and mascara on as you are using your mirror

Would that be your rear view mirror or your wing mirror?

Tut Tut ... both of course

[Not so ancient mariner]

The dangers of eating have been stated, but surprisingly nobody has mentioned smoking. There's the fiddly job of getting one out of the packet, then the thing has to be lit, and if you accidentally drop it, there's the risk of burning yourself or potentially setting the car on fire. Not problems you usually associate with having a sandwich; - though I do know of one person who lost control of his car after pouring hot coffee in his lap.
He also lost his licence for a while!

[Stephen]

String'm up I say.

[emjay45]

I have no idea how someone could text and be watching the road at the same time. It's frightening