From the 27th February 2007 if you are caught using your mobile phone whilst driving you will have to pay a £60 fine and receive 3 penalty points on your license.
Currently, if you use any phone when you are driving you will be classed as breaking the law. The laws are now getting tougher and the penalties heavier. Receive just six penalty points in your first 2 years of driving and you can expect to lose your license.
As well as the hefty fines, the Government will be rolling out a new campaign which will target motrists and highlight the dangers of using a mobile phone at the wheel.
[img]http://www.blueunplugged.com/xsdbimgs/mobile%20law.jpg[/img]
To avoid any fines or penalty points don’t use your phone:
- When you are stuck in traffic
- When you are stopped at traffic lights
- To receive calls, texts messages or access the internet whilst driving
There are exceptions however, as a driver may call 999 or 112 in response to a real emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop to make the call.
[b]Why the tougher penalties?[/b]
Research has shown that if you are using your mobile phone whilst driving you‘re four times more likely to have a crash.
Surveys on road safety were carried out and the outcome showed that over 90% of respondents said it should be illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
However, the surveys also show that more than 25% of drivers admit to using a mobile phone behind the wheel. Therefore the new penalties are being put into force to reduce the number of accidents caused through motorists using a mobile at the wheel.
[b]Advice for Motorists[/b]
For drivers, make sure you aren’t using your phone behind the wheel, or simply buy a handsfree kit that will allow you to make and take phone calls easily without breaking the law.
For employers, you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive calls while driving. If you need you workers to be accessible all the time, get their cars equipped with handsfree mobile phone kits to ensure their safety is covered and their not breaking the law.
For more information on the new driving laws please visit:
[url="http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk"]http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk[/url]
Regards.
Full Version: New Mobile Phone Law
As many know Kaz and I sell mobile phones so I just wanted to clarify a few things.
As far as I know, the law states:
1. you cannot hold a mobile phone while driving
2. you cannot use a mobile while supervising someone whom is driving
3. force someone to use a mobile while driving
I asume that this means that you can use a handsfree with a wire, e.g. the normal one you get with most mobiles. you could also put the phone on speaker?
is this right?
As far as I know, the law states:
1. you cannot hold a mobile phone while driving
2. you cannot use a mobile while supervising someone whom is driving
3. force someone to use a mobile while driving
I asume that this means that you can use a handsfree with a wire, e.g. the normal one you get with most mobiles. you could also put the phone on speaker?
is this right?
Well seeing as they replaced all the traffic cops with speed cameras, I doubt there will any increase in the number of people pulled over for using their phone while driving. It's all very well making it illegal, but if there's no one to enforce it, it's pretty pointless.
I always use speakerphone or a hands free if I have to take a call, but generally don't answer until I'm stationary.I've nearly been crashed into on too many occasions by idiots jabbering into their phones and not being in control of their vehicle.
I always use speakerphone or a hands free if I have to take a call, but generally don't answer until I'm stationary.I've nearly been crashed into on too many occasions by idiots jabbering into their phones and not being in control of their vehicle.
I stopped all my van drivers using mobile phones whilst driving some time ago, it is now viewed as gross misconduct if they do.
I eventually got it through to them that it wasn't a matter of the £30 fine, should you injure or, heaven forbid, kill someone on the road whilst using a phone, the chances are that you would not just be banned from driving for a considerable time, but could also face a prison sentence for causing death by dangerous driving or even manslaughter. It is quite easy to check if you were using the phone at the time of the accident.
This seems to have worked
I eventually got it through to them that it wasn't a matter of the £30 fine, should you injure or, heaven forbid, kill someone on the road whilst using a phone, the chances are that you would not just be banned from driving for a considerable time, but could also face a prison sentence for causing death by dangerous driving or even manslaughter. It is quite easy to check if you were using the phone at the time of the accident.
This seems to have worked
Dont actually agree with the law really. Research showed that it was actually the talking that distracted people not holding the phone. (Unless your texting)
Surely its about time they started banning smoking in cars as its already illegal to eat and drink.
Think firms who expect their workers to use mobile phones on a day to day basis should provide them with handsfree solutions to stay within the law. Alot of firms dont sadly!
Surely its about time they started banning smoking in cars as its already illegal to eat and drink.
Think firms who expect their workers to use mobile phones on a day to day basis should provide them with handsfree solutions to stay within the law. Alot of firms dont sadly!
£60 and 3 points is useless !!
Should be £1,000 and a spell behind bars !!...
Should be £1,000 and a spell behind bars !!...
Think until they clamp down on people without MOT's, Tax and Insurance they shouldn't bother introducing laws like this. Dont agree with it what so ever, despite the fact ive made plenty of money from it.
I've heard that they can pull you over if your even using a handsfree kit if you look like you're not paying full attention to the road.
What a load of bollocks!!
Are they going to fine you next for talking to your passengers or singing along to the radio.
I've also noticed alot more police on the roads today too. Quite a few coppers on motorbikes parked up around town watching the traffic.
What a load of bollocks!!
Are they going to fine you next for talking to your passengers or singing along to the radio.I've also noticed alot more police on the roads today too. Quite a few coppers on motorbikes parked up around town watching the traffic.
[quote name='Adie' post='418391' date='Feb 27 2007, 03:11 PM']I've heard that they can pull you over if your even using a handsfree kit if you look like you're not paying full attention to the road.
What a load of bollocks!! Are they going to fine you next for talking to your passengers or singing along to the radio.
I've also noticed alot more police on the roads today too. Quite a few coppers on motorbikes parked up around town watching the traffic.[/quote]
Easy pickings though in it mate?! Anybody would think they are on commision!
What a load of bollocks!!
Are they going to fine you next for talking to your passengers or singing along to the radio.I've also noticed alot more police on the roads today too. Quite a few coppers on motorbikes parked up around town watching the traffic.[/quote]
Easy pickings though in it mate?! Anybody would think they are on commision!
[quote name='The Editor' post='418375' date='Feb 27 2007, 02:08 PM']£60 and 3 points is useless !!
Should be £1,000 and a spell behind bars !!...[/quote]
If your car was stolen though they probably woundnt get time for it....
Should be £1,000 and a spell behind bars !!...[/quote]
If your car was stolen though they probably woundnt get time for it....
[quote name='The Editor' post='418375' date='Feb 27 2007, 02:08 PM']£60 and 3 points is useless !!
Should be £1,000 and a spell behind bars !!...[/quote]
For what? Talking? They don't even fine you that much for No MOT or Insurance. You're UNLUCKY to get that fine if you stole a car!
Get them copers off the damn highway and on the streets. Deaths by driving are getting lower every year. More and More are using the phone while driving, can you see a corolation? I can't!
Should be £1,000 and a spell behind bars !!...[/quote]
For what? Talking? They don't even fine you that much for No MOT or Insurance. You're UNLUCKY to get that fine if you stole a car!
Get them copers off the damn highway and on the streets. Deaths by driving are getting lower every year. More and More are using the phone while driving, can you see a corolation? I can't!
I totally agree with most of what has been said - it's a completely unnecessary addition to the existing laws.
People shouldn't use phones while driving, especially manual drivers, but then why can you hold a cigarette? If in an emergency I needed to drop one, I know I'd rather drop the lump of plastic than the stick of fire!
Nobody gets any punishment for real motoring offences, no MOTs etc, just whatevers an easy target - although that's similar to the CO2 emission laws as well. Older cars have much worse emissions than even quite large engined modern cars - so seems we're only taxed if you're wealthy enough to have a new large engined car, but if you've got an old car you're fine......what's that got to do with the environment?
Having said all that though, I don't really believe there's any excuse for not going handsfree, its not difficult or expensive, so if raising the penalty is the only way to stop morons holding the steering wheel with their knees as they change gear, then I'm all for it
People shouldn't use phones while driving, especially manual drivers, but then why can you hold a cigarette? If in an emergency I needed to drop one, I know I'd rather drop the lump of plastic than the stick of fire!
Nobody gets any punishment for real motoring offences, no MOTs etc, just whatevers an easy target - although that's similar to the CO2 emission laws as well. Older cars have much worse emissions than even quite large engined modern cars - so seems we're only taxed if you're wealthy enough to have a new large engined car, but if you've got an old car you're fine......what's that got to do with the environment?
Having said all that though, I don't really believe there's any excuse for not going handsfree, its not difficult or expensive, so if raising the penalty is the only way to stop morons holding the steering wheel with their knees as they change gear, then I'm all for it
smoking should be next saw old chappy today massive bloody pipe
in his 1 hand trying to light it
with is other he lights it big cloud of smoke in his face
but he had full concentration on the road not like us morons who answer a phone
more crap laws
in his 1 hand trying to light it
with is other he lights it big cloud of smoke in his face
but he had full concentration on the road not like us morons who answer a phone
more crap laws
LMAO i saw a policeman in a marked car with a phone by his ear whilst pulling out of a t junction in spalding last month!
i personally think that there are a lot more dangerous things people do whilst driving so why pick on the mobile?
because its like a speeding ticket, easy money because most people do it! although i'm not saying i condone either
if it wasnt for the money why dont they say six points and no fine? its not asif 60 quid realy bothers anyone?!?
i personally think that there are a lot more dangerous things people do whilst driving so why pick on the mobile?
because its like a speeding ticket, easy money because most people do it! although i'm not saying i condone either
if it wasnt for the money why dont they say six points and no fine? its not asif 60 quid realy bothers anyone?!?
Police state.
There must be the technology out there that as soon as the key is in the ignition it stops the use of mobiles being used whilst on the move.
There must be the technology out there that as soon as the key is in the ignition it stops the use of mobiles being used whilst on the move.
When i used to work for the police (not as an officer), we were provided with bluetooth kits (civies and police personnel) to use in our cars. Well so long as you asked for one. Also due to the department i was in, i also had a police radio and you can use those at the same time as driving. No hands free, worked as a phone or a push to talk. I suppose they could do fellows workers for driving without due care and attention. Also if you look it into more closely, its not so much the phone thats been banded its devices that operate on the public radio spectrum for mobiles and radios, hence making it only legal for police to still use their radios whilest driving as they use a different digital radio spectrum.
This law, and the previous one banning use of mobile phones, has introduced a much more common occurrence of bad driving.
The phone goes off and the driver realises they don't have handsfree ready.
They then answer it normally and say "just a second", and now they're in a rush to get it all connected.
This is now their top priority. Get the kit connected before the person gets annoyed and hangs up.
The priority order is now 1) handsfree kit 2) phone call 3) driving
It's a sad fact, but pretty true, I think.
Fortunately my new motorola K1 came with a bluetooth handset which connects and accepts the call as soon as you open it.
My previous bluetooth headsets required you to hold a button for x seconds or something.
That's even if bluetooth is turned on on the phone. If it's not, then it's a dangerous 10 seconds of menu navigation.
If it's not a bluetooth headset then the fiddly connect causes just as much distraction.
If people were better prepared to accept the call on handsfree as soon as they were in the car then at least two accidents I've seen, and stopped to help sort out afterwards, would have been avoided.
Just my two pence worth on a knock on effect of this legislation that isn't often thought about.
The phone goes off and the driver realises they don't have handsfree ready.
They then answer it normally and say "just a second", and now they're in a rush to get it all connected.
This is now their top priority. Get the kit connected before the person gets annoyed and hangs up.
The priority order is now 1) handsfree kit 2) phone call 3) driving
It's a sad fact, but pretty true, I think.
Fortunately my new motorola K1 came with a bluetooth handset which connects and accepts the call as soon as you open it.
My previous bluetooth headsets required you to hold a button for x seconds or something.
That's even if bluetooth is turned on on the phone. If it's not, then it's a dangerous 10 seconds of menu navigation.
If it's not a bluetooth headset then the fiddly connect causes just as much distraction.
If people were better prepared to accept the call on handsfree as soon as they were in the car then at least two accidents I've seen, and stopped to help sort out afterwards, would have been avoided.
Just my two pence worth on a knock on effect of this legislation that isn't often thought about.
The way i read it is........It doesn't matter if you have a hands free/or bluetooth,if the police think you are not in proper control of the vehile/not concentrating they can still issue the fixed penalty/points.
[quote name='winnie' post='418460' date='Feb 27 2007, 07:27 PM']The way i read it is........It doesn't matter if you have a hands free/or bluetooth,if the police think you are not in proper control of the vehile/not concentrating they can still issue the fixed penalty/points.[/quote]
That's the case no matter what the situation is.
Due care and attention, it falls under, IIRC.
That's the case no matter what the situation is.
Due care and attention, it falls under, IIRC.
[quote name='Gareth' post='418465' date='Feb 27 2007, 07:39 PM'][quote name='winnie' post='418460' date='Feb 27 2007, 07:27 PM']
The way i read it is........It doesn't matter if you have a hands free/or bluetooth,if the police think you are not in proper control of the vehile/not concentrating they can still issue the fixed penalty/points.[/quote]
That's the case no matter what the situation is.
Due care and attention, it falls under, IIRC.
[/quote]
So can you use Handsfree kits? I have a bluetooth one with just a click it answers simple as, no fiddling etc.. is this all illegal now??? I do a fair bit of driving around now, an as i'm self employed only I can take my calls
The way i read it is........It doesn't matter if you have a hands free/or bluetooth,if the police think you are not in proper control of the vehile/not concentrating they can still issue the fixed penalty/points.[/quote]
That's the case no matter what the situation is.
Due care and attention, it falls under, IIRC.
[/quote]
So can you use Handsfree kits? I have a bluetooth one with just a click it answers simple as, no fiddling etc.. is this all illegal now??? I do a fair bit of driving around now, an as i'm self employed only I can take my calls
[quote name='winnie' post='418460' date='Feb 27 2007, 07:27 PM']The way i read it is........It doesn't matter if you have a hands free/or bluetooth,if the police think you are not in proper control of the vehile/not concentrating they can still issue the fixed penalty/points.[/quote]
I'm afraid so
...it depends how the police would view it at the time.
I'm afraid so
...it depends how the police would view it at the time.
It is not illega to use handsfree kits, be it bluetooth or using a good old fashioned wire. The in simple terms is; basically physically holding the phone whilst in control of a motor vehicle. In control meaning if the engine is running whether your stationery or in motion.
HANDSFREE KITS ARE NOT ILLEGAL!
HANDSFREE KITS ARE NOT ILLEGAL!
Correct they are not illegal but if the officer seeing/following you decides you are not paying attention it falls under the due care and attention law...so its his word against yours...and who will win that arguement!!
The police every time...i just wont do it anymore, thats the safest way.
The police every time...i just wont do it anymore, thats the safest way.
[quote name='winnie' post='418728' date='Feb 28 2007, 07:34 PM']Correct they are not illegal but if the officer seeing/following you decides you are not paying attention it falls under the due care and attention law...so its his word against yours...and who will win that arguement!!
The police every time...i just wont do it anymore, thats the safest way.[/quote]
But the handsfree kit is completely irrelevant to your argument.
They could see you adjusting your rear view mirror and say the same thing, or just say it for the sake of it (I've had that happen, it was ridiculous. I don't know what I did to catch their attention, but they were happy to just plain lie).
Either way, I don't think you should advocate that it's best to just not use it, I really think that's a bit OTT.
I perfectly respect your choice to do so, and your reasons - as everyone should - but people here *cough* make a living it seems selling this kind of stuff, and I wouldn't want potential customers to be in doubt.
The law is related specifically to hold a mobile phone.
If you use a handsfree kit you are fine, but please remember to not let it distract you from the road.
There are other laws related to due care and attention, but it's not because you were using a handsfree kit, but rather that you were driving like a complete tit
(I have no idea when I got so wrapped up an issue I really don't care much about,
)
The police every time...i just wont do it anymore, thats the safest way.[/quote]
But the handsfree kit is completely irrelevant to your argument.
They could see you adjusting your rear view mirror and say the same thing, or just say it for the sake of it (I've had that happen, it was ridiculous. I don't know what I did to catch their attention, but they were happy to just plain lie).
Either way, I don't think you should advocate that it's best to just not use it, I really think that's a bit OTT.
I perfectly respect your choice to do so, and your reasons - as everyone should - but people here *cough* make a living it seems selling this kind of stuff, and I wouldn't want potential customers to be in doubt.
The law is related specifically to hold a mobile phone.
If you use a handsfree kit you are fine, but please remember to not let it distract you from the road.
There are other laws related to due care and attention, but it's not because you were using a handsfree kit, but rather that you were driving like a complete tit
(I have no idea when I got so wrapped up an issue I really don't care much about,
)
I switch it off now (have done for last 2 weeks) then can be no chance I'll get caught.
[quote name='winnie' post='418728' date='Feb 28 2007, 07:34 PM']Correct they are not illegal but if the officer seeing/following you decides you are not paying attention it falls under the due care and attention law...so its his word against yours...and who will win that arguement!!
The police every time...i just wont do it anymore, thats the safest way.[/quote]
They could say that if you just have one hand on the steering wheel, the other hanging out the window.....could say that when you light a fag up,......could say that when you happen to pick your nose or change CDs......
If the officer was alone I wouldnt stand up in court...even in this society and the justic system like it is....they need evidence.
The police every time...i just wont do it anymore, thats the safest way.[/quote]
They could say that if you just have one hand on the steering wheel, the other hanging out the window.....could say that when you light a fag up,......could say that when you happen to pick your nose or change CDs......
If the officer was alone I wouldnt stand up in court...even in this society and the justic system like it is....they need evidence.
The way i see it, every new law that is introduced on the road today is another way of generating extra cash to make more new money making laws!
Ive been using my bluetooth for the last couple of years with no problems, and i think a hands free should do the job!
These days people get pulled over for anything! And when you ask the copper why you got pulled, they say as part of this section you are breaking the law, which might not even exist! lolz!
Ive been using my bluetooth for the last couple of years with no problems, and i think a hands free should do the job!
These days people get pulled over for anything! And when you ask the copper why you got pulled, they say as part of this section you are breaking the law, which might not even exist! lolz!
[quote name='Kazi' post='418744' date='Feb 28 2007, 08:28 PM'][quote name='winnie' post='418728' date='Feb 28 2007, 07:34 PM']
Correct they are not illegal but if the officer seeing/following you decides you are not paying attention it falls under the due care and attention law...so its his word against yours...and who will win that arguement!!
The police every time...i just wont do it anymore, thats the safest way.[/quote]
They could say that if you just have one hand on the steering wheel, the other hanging out the window.....could say that when you light a fag up,......could say that when you happen to pick your nose or change CDs......
If the officer was alone I wouldnt stand up in court...even in this society and the justic system like it is....they need evidence.
[/quote]
I absolutely agree with you, but in my case the phones we have installed in company vehicles although are in a cradle you still have to press the answer key to accept the call (this is what im worried about) and if im seen pressing the phone key thats where i could be in a sticky situation as i have to take my hand off the s/wheel.
Correct they are not illegal but if the officer seeing/following you decides you are not paying attention it falls under the due care and attention law...so its his word against yours...and who will win that arguement!!
The police every time...i just wont do it anymore, thats the safest way.[/quote]
They could say that if you just have one hand on the steering wheel, the other hanging out the window.....could say that when you light a fag up,......could say that when you happen to pick your nose or change CDs......
If the officer was alone I wouldnt stand up in court...even in this society and the justic system like it is....they need evidence.
[/quote]
I absolutely agree with you, but in my case the phones we have installed in company vehicles although are in a cradle you still have to press the answer key to accept the call (this is what im worried about) and if im seen pressing the phone key thats where i could be in a sticky situation as i have to take my hand off the s/wheel.
[quote name='winnie' post='418795' date='Feb 28 2007, 10:51 PM']i could be in a sticky situation as i have to take my hand off the s/wheel.[/quote]
It's not an offence to remove a hand from the steering wheel. I am sure I don't need to list all the things you do in driving that cannot be done without removing one hand or the other from the steering wheel.
The point about hand-held mobiles is that their use while driving is an offence of itself, so it's not a question of considering it as a contributory factor in relation to some other offence such as driving without due care and attention. If you use a hand held mobile while driving, no matter how careful and safe your driving otherwise is, you are committing an offence.
The act of using a hands-free phone is not of itself an offence, but if you are failing to keep proper control of your vehicle you may be prosecuted for failing to keep proper control and if your 'phone log reveals that you were making or receiving a call at the time of the offence, I am sure that will be taken into account. But I repeat, removing a hand from the steering wheel does not of itself constitute a failure to keep proper control of the vehicle.
It's not an offence to remove a hand from the steering wheel. I am sure I don't need to list all the things you do in driving that cannot be done without removing one hand or the other from the steering wheel.
The point about hand-held mobiles is that their use while driving is an offence of itself, so it's not a question of considering it as a contributory factor in relation to some other offence such as driving without due care and attention. If you use a hand held mobile while driving, no matter how careful and safe your driving otherwise is, you are committing an offence.
The act of using a hands-free phone is not of itself an offence, but if you are failing to keep proper control of your vehicle you may be prosecuted for failing to keep proper control and if your 'phone log reveals that you were making or receiving a call at the time of the offence, I am sure that will be taken into account. But I repeat, removing a hand from the steering wheel does not of itself constitute a failure to keep proper control of the vehicle.
[quote name='Kazi' post='418374' date='Feb 27 2007, 02:04 PM']its already illegal to eat and drink.[/quote]
Realy?
I didnt know that?
Realy?
I didnt know that?
[quote name='P4UL T' post='419157' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:13 PM'][quote name='Kazi' post='418374' date='Feb 27 2007, 02:04 PM']
its already illegal to eat and drink.[/quote]
Realy?
I didnt know that?
[/quote]
There was a story a while back, I forget the details but along the lines of: a woman got done for eating a kitkat and hence not being in control - she was stationary in traffic at the time.
its already illegal to eat and drink.[/quote]
Realy?
I didnt know that?
[/quote]
There was a story a while back, I forget the details but along the lines of: a woman got done for eating a kitkat and hence not being in control - she was stationary in traffic at the time.
Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine
[quote name='GWilso' post='419170' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:51 PM']Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine[/quote]
Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine
[/quote]Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
[quote name='lexicon' post='419163' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:36 PM'][quote name='P4UL T' post='419157' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:13 PM']
[quote name='Kazi' post='418374' date='Feb 27 2007, 02:04 PM']
its already illegal to eat and drink.[/quote]
Realy?
I didnt know that?
[/quote]
There was a story a while back, I forget the details but along the lines of: a woman got done for eating a kitkat and hence not being in control - she was stationary in traffic at the time.
[/quote]
corect! I thought it was a bloke but there we go?
[quote name='Kazi' post='419187' date='Mar 2 2007, 09:55 PM'][quote name='GWilso' post='419170' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:51 PM']
Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine[/quote]
Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
[/quote]
That's because you drive bad all the time!
Seriously though, I agree with Kazi. Actually I recon a phone is less dangerous than a passenger, you tend to glance there way while there in the car but a mobile you are looking forward all the time. they should re-run the tests but with your misses naging in your ear or you on the phone to your mate!
[quote name='Kazi' post='418374' date='Feb 27 2007, 02:04 PM']
its already illegal to eat and drink.[/quote]
Realy?
I didnt know that?
[/quote]
There was a story a while back, I forget the details but along the lines of: a woman got done for eating a kitkat and hence not being in control - she was stationary in traffic at the time.
[/quote]
corect! I thought it was a bloke but there we go?
[quote name='Kazi' post='419187' date='Mar 2 2007, 09:55 PM'][quote name='GWilso' post='419170' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:51 PM']
Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine
[/quote]Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
[/quote]
That's because you drive bad all the time!
Seriously though, I agree with Kazi. Actually I recon a phone is less dangerous than a passenger, you tend to glance there way while there in the car but a mobile you are looking forward all the time. they should re-run the tests but with your misses naging in your ear or you on the phone to your mate!
[quote name='fatpieman69' post='419261' date='Mar 3 2007, 12:07 PM'][quote name='lexicon' post='419163' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:36 PM']
[quote name='P4UL T' post='419157' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:13 PM']
[quote name='Kazi' post='418374' date='Feb 27 2007, 02:04 PM']
its already illegal to eat and drink.[/quote]
Realy?
I didnt know that?
[/quote]
There was a story a while back, I forget the details but along the lines of: a woman got done for eating a kitkat and hence not being in control - she was stationary in traffic at the time.
[/quote]
corect! I thought it was a bloke but there we go?
[quote name='Kazi' post='419187' date='Mar 2 2007, 09:55 PM'][quote name='GWilso' post='419170' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:51 PM']
Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine[/quote]
Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
[/quote]
That's because you drive bad all the time!
Seriously though, I agree with Kazi. Actually I recon a phone is less dangerous than a passenger, you tend to glance there way while there in the car but a mobile you are looking forward all the time. they should re-run the tests but with your misses naging in your ear or you on the phone to your mate!
[/quote]
maybe they will try to ban all passengers next then
[quote name='P4UL T' post='419157' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:13 PM']
[quote name='Kazi' post='418374' date='Feb 27 2007, 02:04 PM']
its already illegal to eat and drink.[/quote]
Realy?
I didnt know that?
[/quote]
There was a story a while back, I forget the details but along the lines of: a woman got done for eating a kitkat and hence not being in control - she was stationary in traffic at the time.
[/quote]
corect! I thought it was a bloke but there we go?
[quote name='Kazi' post='419187' date='Mar 2 2007, 09:55 PM'][quote name='GWilso' post='419170' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:51 PM']
Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine
[/quote]Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
[/quote]
That's because you drive bad all the time!
Seriously though, I agree with Kazi. Actually I recon a phone is less dangerous than a passenger, you tend to glance there way while there in the car but a mobile you are looking forward all the time. they should re-run the tests but with your misses naging in your ear or you on the phone to your mate!
[/quote]
maybe they will try to ban all passengers next then
[quote name='GWilso' post='419277' date='Mar 3 2007, 02:03 PM'][quote name='fatpieman69' post='419261' date='Mar 3 2007, 12:07 PM']
That's because you drive bad all the time!
Seriously though, I agree with Kazi. Actually I recon a phone is less dangerous than a passenger, you tend to glance there way while there in the car but a mobile you are looking forward all the time. they should re-run the tests but with your misses naging in your ear against you on the phone to your mate![/quote]
maybe they will try to ban all passengers next then
[/quote]
as long as they ban wives from passenger seats I don't mind!
That's because you drive bad all the time!
Seriously though, I agree with Kazi. Actually I recon a phone is less dangerous than a passenger, you tend to glance there way while there in the car but a mobile you are looking forward all the time. they should re-run the tests but with your misses naging in your ear against you on the phone to your mate![/quote]
maybe they will try to ban all passengers next then[/quote]
as long as they ban wives from passenger seats I don't mind!
[quote name='fatpieman69' post='419261' date='Mar 3 2007, 12:07 PM'][quote name='lexicon' post='419163' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:36 PM']
There was a story a while back, I forget the details but along the lines of: a woman got done for eating a kitkat and hence not being in control - she was stationary in traffic at the time.[/quote]
corect! I thought it was a bloke but there we go?
[/quote]
Ha Ha - like I said, I forget the details
I think there were a couple of simliar stories around, one eating a kitkat, the other having a drink (water, not ale
)
There was a story a while back, I forget the details but along the lines of: a woman got done for eating a kitkat and hence not being in control - she was stationary in traffic at the time.[/quote]
corect! I thought it was a bloke but there we go?
[/quote]
Ha Ha - like I said, I forget the details
I think there were a couple of simliar stories around, one eating a kitkat, the other having a drink (water, not ale
)
[quote name='Kazi' post='419187' date='Mar 2 2007, 09:55 PM'][quote name='GWilso' post='419170' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:51 PM']
Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine[/quote]
Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
[/quote]
Well, the research says otherwise. The studies have shown there IS a difference in hazard perception for drivers talking into their phone versus drivers talking to a passenger inside the car.
Situation A
You're in a heated conversation with passenger in your motor, you're driving through an urban area (where you have hazards like kids running into the street, car doors opening, motorbikes weaving in and out etc)
Situation B
You're in a heated conversation with someone on the end of the mobile phone, whilst you're driving through an urban area
The research demonstrated that in Situation B, the person on the other end of the phone has no idea of the hazards you are facing as a driver, whereas in Situation A, the passenger at least will have the brains to say, shut up and slow down, there are kids playing in the street.
Laws can't be pushed through based upon one person's "opinion", there has been much research carried out into the risks of using a phone whilst driving, not just in this country, but around the world.
Interestingly, countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.
Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine
[/quote]Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
[/quote]
Well, the research says otherwise. The studies have shown there IS a difference in hazard perception for drivers talking into their phone versus drivers talking to a passenger inside the car.
Situation A
You're in a heated conversation with passenger in your motor, you're driving through an urban area (where you have hazards like kids running into the street, car doors opening, motorbikes weaving in and out etc)
Situation B
You're in a heated conversation with someone on the end of the mobile phone, whilst you're driving through an urban area
The research demonstrated that in Situation B, the person on the other end of the phone has no idea of the hazards you are facing as a driver, whereas in Situation A, the passenger at least will have the brains to say, shut up and slow down, there are kids playing in the street.
Laws can't be pushed through based upon one person's "opinion", there has been much research carried out into the risks of using a phone whilst driving, not just in this country, but around the world.
Interestingly, countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.
theres only one law i agree with and thats dont drink and drive...
....i mean you might spill it.....................
..and that would be alcohol abuse!!
one thing i have noticed though is that most people you see driving whilst on the phone happen to be in control of dirty great 20tonne trucks professional drivers and the firms they work for should have made handsfree a priority years ago.
also i dont mean any offence to anyone so plz dont take any but i think that people of an older generation as in oap's(the doddery ones) pose a far more hazardous risk on the roads with regard to there reaction times and just general old age issues. i know and understand that its hard for them to loose inderpendance and mobility but the number of times i have had near misses with them in town or have had them pull out of a junction in front of me.IMHO to drive well and safely i think you have to be able to be fully aware of many differrent things going on around you at once and when some people get to a certain age its something they are not able to do,i know i am going to get there one day and i dont relish the thought at all but i hope for everyones sake that they take away my license and post me a bus pass.
i've got a great aunt and i reckon i could step off the pavement and touch her wing mirror as she drove past and she wouldnt notice her eyes are so fixed to the road that she hasnt the foggiest whats going on around her.i have never seen her acknowledge me as she has passed and i have been flashing,beeping waving etc on loads of occasions.
and to top it all off i pay about ten times the insurance pemium they do!!!
right rant over, take my antidepressents and back to happiness
....i mean you might spill it.....................
..and that would be alcohol abuse!!
one thing i have noticed though is that most people you see driving whilst on the phone happen to be in control of dirty great 20tonne trucks professional drivers and the firms they work for should have made handsfree a priority years ago.
also i dont mean any offence to anyone so plz dont take any but i think that people of an older generation as in oap's(the doddery ones) pose a far more hazardous risk on the roads with regard to there reaction times and just general old age issues. i know and understand that its hard for them to loose inderpendance and mobility but the number of times i have had near misses with them in town or have had them pull out of a junction in front of me.IMHO to drive well and safely i think you have to be able to be fully aware of many differrent things going on around you at once and when some people get to a certain age its something they are not able to do,i know i am going to get there one day and i dont relish the thought at all but i hope for everyones sake that they take away my license and post me a bus pass.
i've got a great aunt and i reckon i could step off the pavement and touch her wing mirror as she drove past and she wouldnt notice her eyes are so fixed to the road that she hasnt the foggiest whats going on around her.i have never seen her acknowledge me as she has passed and i have been flashing,beeping waving etc on loads of occasions.
and to top it all off i pay about ten times the insurance pemium they do!!!
right rant over, take my antidepressents and back to happiness
[/quote]
"Well, the research says otherwise. The studies have shown there IS a difference in hazard perception for drivers talking into their phone versus drivers talking to a passenger inside the car.
Situation A
You're in a heated conversation with passenger in your motor, you're driving through an urban area (where you have hazards like kids running into the street, car doors opening, motorbikes weaving in and out etc)
Situation B
You're in a heated conversation with someone on the end of the mobile phone, whilst you're driving through an urban area
The research demonstrated that in Situation B, the person on the other end of the phone has no idea of the hazards you are facing as a driver, whereas in Situation A, the passenger at least will have the brains to say, shut up and slow down, there are kids playing in the street.
Laws can't be pushed through based upon one person's "opinion", there has been much research carried out into the risks of using a phone whilst driving, not just in this country, but around the world.
Interestingly, countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.
[/quote]
One of the problems with research is that it's based on falsification only and not falsification and verification, the researchers' bias is brought into the equation in one form or another even if they try to use randomised controlled trials - the so-called 'gold standard'. Research is also normally carried out by bodies with a vested interest in achieving something, whether it be a new law or product for profit - one and the same sometimes?? The problem is that the research is not explained although we are expected to accept the findings - it could be fundamentally flawed, for example a small sample being extrapolated to a whole population.
Having said that I saw a chap in a van the other day with his phone to one ear and trying to light a fag with a lighter in the other - no part of him was touching the steering wheel!!
I am in favour of a hands free law, my concern is the insidious and cynical piggy-back laws that are tacked on by the ill advised do-gooders and politicians to get a few more votes.....blood pressure rising so time to stop
"Well, the research says otherwise. The studies have shown there IS a difference in hazard perception for drivers talking into their phone versus drivers talking to a passenger inside the car.
Situation A
You're in a heated conversation with passenger in your motor, you're driving through an urban area (where you have hazards like kids running into the street, car doors opening, motorbikes weaving in and out etc)
Situation B
You're in a heated conversation with someone on the end of the mobile phone, whilst you're driving through an urban area
The research demonstrated that in Situation B, the person on the other end of the phone has no idea of the hazards you are facing as a driver, whereas in Situation A, the passenger at least will have the brains to say, shut up and slow down, there are kids playing in the street.
Laws can't be pushed through based upon one person's "opinion", there has been much research carried out into the risks of using a phone whilst driving, not just in this country, but around the world.
Interestingly, countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.
[/quote]
One of the problems with research is that it's based on falsification only and not falsification and verification, the researchers' bias is brought into the equation in one form or another even if they try to use randomised controlled trials - the so-called 'gold standard'. Research is also normally carried out by bodies with a vested interest in achieving something, whether it be a new law or product for profit - one and the same sometimes??
The problem is that the research is not explained although we are expected to accept the findings - it could be fundamentally flawed, for example a small sample being extrapolated to a whole population. Having said that I saw a chap in a van the other day with his phone to one ear and trying to light a fag with a lighter in the other - no part of him was touching the steering wheel!!
I am in favour of a hands free law, my concern is the insidious and cynical piggy-back laws that are tacked on by the ill advised do-gooders and politicians to get a few more votes.....blood pressure rising so time to stop
[quote name='maneesh' post='420241' date='Mar 8 2007, 03:27 AM']countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.[/quote]
Would you put up a few references please - I'm interested in reading the original material?
Would you put up a few references please - I'm interested in reading the original material?
[quote name='Sagitar' post='420266' date='Mar 8 2007, 09:43 AM'][quote name='maneesh' post='420241' date='Mar 8 2007, 03:27 AM']
countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.[/quote]
Would you put up a few references please - I'm interested in reading the original material?
[/quote]
sorry i can't find all of the original articles, but these offer some insight into the research. an interesting debate, i'm quite proud of living in a country with some of the safest roads in the world, and i certainly don't want that to change
[url="http://www.rospa.org.uk/news/releases/2007/pr510_22_02_07_road.htm"]http://www.rospa.org.uk/news/releases/2007..._02_07_road.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.politics.co.uk/issueoftheday/public-services/road/use-mobile-phones-while-driving/rospa-hands-free-kit-not-safe-option-$467017$466978.htm"]http://www.politics.co.uk/issueoftheday/pu...#036;466978.htm[/url]
[url="http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/0,39024665,39150280,00.htm"]http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/0,39024...39150280,00.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7514/428"]http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7514/428[/url]
[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1885775.stm"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1885775.stm[/url]
[url="http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,,1809549,00.html"]http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,,1809549,00.html[/url]
[url="http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/hurley.cnna/"]http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/hurley.cnna/[/url]
[url="http://www.fiafoundation.com/policy/road_safety/policy_monitor/pm_13072005.html"]http://www.fiafoundation.com/policy/road_s...m_13072005.html[/url]
countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.[/quote]
Would you put up a few references please - I'm interested in reading the original material?
[/quote]
sorry i can't find all of the original articles, but these offer some insight into the research. an interesting debate, i'm quite proud of living in a country with some of the safest roads in the world, and i certainly don't want that to change
[url="http://www.rospa.org.uk/news/releases/2007/pr510_22_02_07_road.htm"]http://www.rospa.org.uk/news/releases/2007..._02_07_road.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.politics.co.uk/issueoftheday/public-services/road/use-mobile-phones-while-driving/rospa-hands-free-kit-not-safe-option-$467017$466978.htm"]http://www.politics.co.uk/issueoftheday/pu...#036;466978.htm[/url]
[url="http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/0,39024665,39150280,00.htm"]http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/0,39024...39150280,00.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7514/428"]http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7514/428[/url]
[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1885775.stm"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1885775.stm[/url]
[url="http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,,1809549,00.html"]http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,,1809549,00.html[/url]
[url="http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/hurley.cnna/"]http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/hurley.cnna/[/url]
[url="http://www.fiafoundation.com/policy/road_safety/policy_monitor/pm_13072005.html"]http://www.fiafoundation.com/policy/road_s...m_13072005.html[/url]
[quote name='maneesh' post='420241' date='Mar 8 2007, 03:27 AM'][quote name='Kazi' post='419187' date='Mar 2 2007, 09:55 PM']
[quote name='GWilso' post='419170' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:51 PM']
Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine[/quote]
Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
[/quote]
Well, the research says otherwise. The studies have shown there IS a difference in hazard perception for drivers talking into their phone versus drivers talking to a passenger inside the car.
Situation A
You're in a heated conversation with passenger in your motor, you're driving through an urban area (where you have hazards like kids running into the street, car doors opening, motorbikes weaving in and out etc)
Situation B
You're in a heated conversation with someone on the end of the mobile phone, whilst you're driving through an urban area
The research demonstrated that in Situation B, the person on the other end of the phone has no idea of the hazards you are facing as a driver, whereas in Situation A, the passenger at least will have the brains to say, shut up and slow down, there are kids playing in the street.
Laws can't be pushed through based upon one person's "opinion", there has been much research carried out into the risks of using a phone whilst driving, not just in this country, but around the world.
Interestingly, countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.
[/quote]
Dont really care what the studies show. I know I pay extra attention to the road when I use my phone in the car. Studies have shown many things over the years and how many of these so called studies have been impartial and correct?
How many studies have been conducted on speed cameras that show they dont always reduce accidents but infact cause them!
You cant say because a study shows otherwise that what I believe in and my habbits of driving with a phone is wrong. Think it comes down to how good the driver is anyway and how much attention they naturally pay to other road users etc etc.
[quote name='GWilso' post='419170' date='Mar 2 2007, 08:51 PM']
Each to their own but my 2Ps worth
Nobody can honestly admit you are concentrating 100% on the road whilst talking on the phone!
I've lost count of the times someone on the phone cuts me up or you see someone else make a mistake whilst on the phone........ it kills, the call just aint worth it.
I think this new law is justified and a long time overdue id support it even if they trippled the fine.
forgive i'm not normally one for supporting the law practices or the screwed up justice system but this talking on the phone malarckie is a real "pet hate" of mine
[/quote]Can honestly say it makes no difference to me! Could be a passenger talking to me for all the difference it would make to me and my driving.
[/quote]
Well, the research says otherwise. The studies have shown there IS a difference in hazard perception for drivers talking into their phone versus drivers talking to a passenger inside the car.
Situation A
You're in a heated conversation with passenger in your motor, you're driving through an urban area (where you have hazards like kids running into the street, car doors opening, motorbikes weaving in and out etc)
Situation B
You're in a heated conversation with someone on the end of the mobile phone, whilst you're driving through an urban area
The research demonstrated that in Situation B, the person on the other end of the phone has no idea of the hazards you are facing as a driver, whereas in Situation A, the passenger at least will have the brains to say, shut up and slow down, there are kids playing in the street.
Laws can't be pushed through based upon one person's "opinion", there has been much research carried out into the risks of using a phone whilst driving, not just in this country, but around the world.
Interestingly, countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.
[/quote]
Dont really care what the studies show. I know I pay extra attention to the road when I use my phone in the car. Studies have shown many things over the years and how many of these so called studies have been impartial and correct?
How many studies have been conducted on speed cameras that show they dont always reduce accidents but infact cause them!
You cant say because a study shows otherwise that what I believe in and my habbits of driving with a phone is wrong. Think it comes down to how good the driver is anyway and how much attention they naturally pay to other road users etc etc.
[quote name='maneesh' post='420518' date='Mar 9 2007, 09:46 AM'][quote name='Sagitar' post='420266' date='Mar 8 2007, 09:43 AM']
[quote name='maneesh' post='420241' date='Mar 8 2007, 03:27 AM']
countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.[/quote]
Would you put up a few references please - I'm interested in reading the original material?
[/quote]
sorry i can't find all of the original articles, but these offer some insight into the research. an interesting debate, i'm quite proud of living in a country with some of the safest roads in the world, and i certainly don't want that to change
[url="http://www.rospa.org.uk/news/releases/2007/pr510_22_02_07_road.htm"]http://www.rospa.org.uk/news/releases/2007..._02_07_road.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.politics.co.uk/issueoftheday/public-services/road/use-mobile-phones-while-driving/rospa-hands-free-kit-not-safe-option-$467017$466978.htm"]http://www.politics.co.uk/issueoftheday/pu...#036;466978.htm[/url]
[url="http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/0,39024665,39150280,00.htm"]http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/0,39024...39150280,00.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7514/428"]http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7514/428[/url]
[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1885775.stm"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1885775.stm[/url]
[url="http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,,1809549,00.html"]http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,,1809549,00.html[/url]
[url="http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/hurley.cnna/"]http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/hurley.cnna/[/url]
[url="http://www.fiafoundation.com/policy/road_safety/policy_monitor/pm_13072005.html"]http://www.fiafoundation.com/policy/road_s...m_13072005.html[/url]
[/quote]
Thanks - some interesting stuff there, though a lot of it is simply quoting other people. I get the impression that most of the results could be generalised to multi-tasking, but the area of study has been limited to test a specific hypothesis.
I enjoyed this quote:
"Another study, carried out by researchers at the University of Michigan Transport Research Institute, which involved observing 36 drivers covering more than 80,000 miles on the road, found that speaking to passengers could be as distracting as talking on a mobile. Drivers nattering to the person next to them strayed further from the centre of their lane, for example.
Although less research has been done on the effects of distracting passengers, the result goes against conventional wisdom. Researchers had assumed that passengers would be more likely to keep quiet at difficult driving moments".
Perhaps vehicle designers should be considering how the driver can be kept in total sensory isolation from anything other than the information needed to drive the vehicle? Even then, the range and complexity of the incoming information would vary.
Last night, I joined our local bypass down a slip-road that I use frequently. Normally I am in a line of traffic and driving with no lights or dipped lights. Last night I was very late, the road was deserted and I drove down the slip road with headlights up. I was amazed to see the range of signs and different coloured cats-eyes on and around the junction that I had never really noticed before. They were so colourful that I had to force myself to look away, pay attention to the mirrors and look for traffic to my right. It is so easy to be distracted.
One of the great problems associated with restrictions of any kind is that have to be applied at the level of the lowest common denominator. e.g. it is arguable that a speed restriction that is appropriate during a time when there is a great deal of activity, is unlikely to be appropriate at 3 a.m. when most people are in bed. If everyone acted sensibly and responsibly we would need less restrictions, unfortunately not everyone does.
[quote name='maneesh' post='420241' date='Mar 8 2007, 03:27 AM']
countless research has demonstrated that the risk of an accident is not reduced by using handsfree kits versus handheld phones, it's the mental effects of the conversation, not the holding of the phone that is the risk factor here.[/quote]
Would you put up a few references please - I'm interested in reading the original material?
[/quote]
sorry i can't find all of the original articles, but these offer some insight into the research. an interesting debate, i'm quite proud of living in a country with some of the safest roads in the world, and i certainly don't want that to change
[url="http://www.rospa.org.uk/news/releases/2007/pr510_22_02_07_road.htm"]http://www.rospa.org.uk/news/releases/2007..._02_07_road.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.politics.co.uk/issueoftheday/public-services/road/use-mobile-phones-while-driving/rospa-hands-free-kit-not-safe-option-$467017$466978.htm"]http://www.politics.co.uk/issueoftheday/pu...#036;466978.htm[/url]
[url="http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/0,39024665,39150280,00.htm"]http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/0,39024...39150280,00.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7514/428"]http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7514/428[/url]
[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1885775.stm"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1885775.stm[/url]
[url="http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,,1809549,00.html"]http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/article/0,,1809549,00.html[/url]
[url="http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/hurley.cnna/"]http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/hurley.cnna/[/url]
[url="http://www.fiafoundation.com/policy/road_safety/policy_monitor/pm_13072005.html"]http://www.fiafoundation.com/policy/road_s...m_13072005.html[/url]
[/quote]
Thanks - some interesting stuff there, though a lot of it is simply quoting other people. I get the impression that most of the results could be generalised to multi-tasking, but the area of study has been limited to test a specific hypothesis.
I enjoyed this quote:
"Another study, carried out by researchers at the University of Michigan Transport Research Institute, which involved observing 36 drivers covering more than 80,000 miles on the road, found that speaking to passengers could be as distracting as talking on a mobile. Drivers nattering to the person next to them strayed further from the centre of their lane, for example.
Although less research has been done on the effects of distracting passengers, the result goes against conventional wisdom. Researchers had assumed that passengers would be more likely to keep quiet at difficult driving moments".
Perhaps vehicle designers should be considering how the driver can be kept in total sensory isolation from anything other than the information needed to drive the vehicle? Even then, the range and complexity of the incoming information would vary.
Last night, I joined our local bypass down a slip-road that I use frequently. Normally I am in a line of traffic and driving with no lights or dipped lights. Last night I was very late, the road was deserted and I drove down the slip road with headlights up. I was amazed to see the range of signs and different coloured cats-eyes on and around the junction that I had never really noticed before. They were so colourful that I had to force myself to look away, pay attention to the mirrors and look for traffic to my right. It is so easy to be distracted.
One of the great problems associated with restrictions of any kind is that have to be applied at the level of the lowest common denominator. e.g. it is arguable that a speed restriction that is appropriate during a time when there is a great deal of activity, is unlikely to be appropriate at 3 a.m. when most people are in bed. If everyone acted sensibly and responsibly we would need less restrictions, unfortunately not everyone does.
I agree with the points being made above but in many ways I think I've given up - there's no point trying to justify either argument as that's never the true reason behind it.........
At the end of the day, when has a law ever been passed that didn't provide the government with financial gain? Why is there never a "safety" or "environmental" issue that would save us money if we did it?
Provide free car kit installations, and people would use them. Want to reduce congestion? Let car sharers use bus lanes, people would car share.
Problem with these points, doesn't make the govt any money!!!
At the end of the day, when has a law ever been passed that didn't provide the government with financial gain? Why is there never a "safety" or "environmental" issue that would save us money if we did it?
Provide free car kit installations, and people would use them. Want to reduce congestion? Let car sharers use bus lanes, people would car share.
Problem with these points, doesn't make the govt any money!!!
[quote name='Kazi' post='418374' date='Feb 27 2007, 03:04 PM']Surely its about time they started banning smoking in cars as its already illegal to eat and drink.[/quote]
Couldn't agree more about the smoking, as they drive around with one hand on the wheel, the other leaning out of the window. What if they needed to stop in an emergency?
And of course there's always the chance they're going to drop it in their lap, which is sure to cause a distraction!!!
But I do think people should use hands free (wired or wireless), as they're not in control otherwise.
And why is it the always the BMW going down the fast lane at 100mph+ who's on the phone?! Or van drivers. You've got me started now!
Couldn't agree more about the smoking, as they drive around with one hand on the wheel, the other leaning out of the window. What if they needed to stop in an emergency?
And of course there's always the chance they're going to drop it in their lap, which is sure to cause a distraction!!!
But I do think people should use hands free (wired or wireless), as they're not in control otherwise.
And why is it the always the BMW going down the fast lane at 100mph+ who's on the phone?! Or van drivers. You've got me started now!
At the end of the day, I defanitly think it is going to affect your driving when using a phone, either hands free or holding it to your ear. If you were to take the learner test today, using a hands free kit with someone on the end of the phone, I am almost sure you would fail it. Some people might say that the learner test is very out of date and as a driving instructor I would agree with them. But, if you were to take your ROSPA advanced driving test with a hands free kit and someone on the end of the phone, you couldn't keep up a high enough standard of driving to pass the test. It is everyones responsability to drive to the best of their ability and using a phone whilst driving isn't going to do anyone any favours. It's downright selfish in my opinion and shows a lack of care and attention. I'm all for the law and the sooner it gets tougher in terms of penalty points and fine, the better. That's just my ten bobs worth.
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