Texting & Driving
Posted by: Mike-B on 13 August 2010
I watched Police Camera Action last evening - not a program I normally watch, but I was transfixed & sat through an unbelievable program on driver distractions.
4 people volunteered to take part with video cams in their cars showing a week of how they normally drive, OK it was contrived.
But real road film of them eating & texting at the same time, dog on lap & doing make-up, texting & reading. They all thought (initially) they were doing nothing wrong & where in control of their driving, they even found some things funny & were indignant that it was suggested it was both wrong, dangerous & against the law.
Watching the mentality of these & other more serious crash video of similar morons from around UK & USA it makes me fearful of actually going out on the road.
What are the police doing ?? Hand held phoning seems to be so commonplace & its obvious the message is not getting thru.
I would like to see much heavier penalties for hand held phoning, but texting & driving is so much more serious it really should be a no tolerance item & a loss of licence.
Rant over - opinions ???
4 people volunteered to take part with video cams in their cars showing a week of how they normally drive, OK it was contrived.
But real road film of them eating & texting at the same time, dog on lap & doing make-up, texting & reading. They all thought (initially) they were doing nothing wrong & where in control of their driving, they even found some things funny & were indignant that it was suggested it was both wrong, dangerous & against the law.
Watching the mentality of these & other more serious crash video of similar morons from around UK & USA it makes me fearful of actually going out on the road.
What are the police doing ?? Hand held phoning seems to be so commonplace & its obvious the message is not getting thru.
I would like to see much heavier penalties for hand held phoning, but texting & driving is so much more serious it really should be a no tolerance item & a loss of licence.
Rant over - opinions ???
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Big Al
Most people don't seem to be able to conduct a vehicle with any ability: quite why they should feel they can "drive" whilst texting escapes me.
People texting when walking seem almost oblivious to their surroundings. I assume that many of these pedestrians also drive...
Stopping people texting etc while driving would take a lot more effort than putting up revenue cameras to "deal" with speeding.
I'm glad I didn't watch this programme; it would given me something else to get shirty about.
Al
People texting when walking seem almost oblivious to their surroundings. I assume that many of these pedestrians also drive...
Stopping people texting etc while driving would take a lot more effort than putting up revenue cameras to "deal" with speeding.
I'm glad I didn't watch this programme; it would given me something else to get shirty about.
Al
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by JamieL_v2
If you drive a car irresponsibly it terms of the force and danger you are creating, it is little different to shooting a rifle down a street randomly.
A car is around 1 ton and traveling at over 40 miles an hour, is just as deadly as a small piece of lead fired at several hundred miles per hour.
The penalties for the misuse of the two are however very different.
A car is around 1 ton and traveling at over 40 miles an hour, is just as deadly as a small piece of lead fired at several hundred miles per hour.
The penalties for the misuse of the two are however very different.
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Svetty
quote:Originally posted by Mike-B:
I watched Police Camera Action last evening - not a program I normally watch, but I was transfixed
I believe electric shock therapy to the testicles is an effective remedy for this condition
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by BigH47
In Greece, like smoking using the phone whilst driving seems to be compulsory.
Our coach driver from the airport did it, and the rep just ignored it.
Our coach driver from the airport did it, and the rep just ignored it.
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Lontano
is posting to the naim forum whilst driving allowed?
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Dungassin
Texting and even using a mobile phone while driving (except - although I doubt this myself - if it's a "hands free") is IMO extremely dangerous. One offence should be a steep fine, a second offence should be immediate disqualification.
Sorry if this sounds very harsh, but I was nearly mowed down by an idiot (young) woman in Sainsburys car park last week. She'd just pulled out of her parking space and was texting as she drove out of the car park. She seemed most indignant when I "had words", and pointed out to her that she had a toddler in her car unrestrained.
I was loading my shopping into the car at the time. Just as well I was paying attention to my surroundings at the time. Wish I'd taken her number and reported her to the police.
Sorry if this sounds very harsh, but I was nearly mowed down by an idiot (young) woman in Sainsburys car park last week. She'd just pulled out of her parking space and was texting as she drove out of the car park. She seemed most indignant when I "had words", and pointed out to her that she had a toddler in her car unrestrained.
I was loading my shopping into the car at the time. Just as well I was paying attention to my surroundings at the time. Wish I'd taken her number and reported her to the police.
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by JamieL_v2
We could have a what are listening to while driving thread.
Actually for safety's sake, a what DO you listen to while driving thread might be a good idea. Hopefully some better suggestions than were on the 'Top Gear' poll a couple of years ago.
Actually for safety's sake, a what DO you listen to while driving thread might be a good idea. Hopefully some better suggestions than were on the 'Top Gear' poll a couple of years ago.
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Lontano
quote:Originally posted by JamieL_v2:
We could have a what are listening to while driving thread.
I'm off out in a sec, I'll give it a go.
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Lontano
quote:Originally posted by JamieL_v2:
Actually for safety's sake, a what DO you listen to while driving thread might be a good idea. Hopefully some better suggestions than were on the 'Top Gear' poll a couple of years ago.
I have found I drive faster when listening to Opeth loud.
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by TomK
I caught some of that programme myself. It's a long time since I wanted to slap a bunch of people so much. One of them thought it amusing that she'd flattened a kid's bike during an exercise.
Unbelievable. I agree wholeheartedly that penalties should be more severe.
Unbelievable. I agree wholeheartedly that penalties should be more severe.
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Mike Hughes
I sold my flat about eight years ago. It was subsequently rented out. The first person to rent it was murdered by a person living in the same development who had an extreme episode of mental ill health induced by stuff I can't recall.
She was crossing the road at the time or approaching it. Didn't see him coming until it was too late owing to her wearing headphones and texting. May not have necessarily saved her life but there's a discussion to be had.
Mike
She was crossing the road at the time or approaching it. Didn't see him coming until it was too late owing to her wearing headphones and texting. May not have necessarily saved her life but there's a discussion to be had.
Mike
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Joe Bibb
All the foaming at the mouth about 'penalties' is fine. But what it requires is 'policing' and nobody wants to do that.
They would rather put out cameras because it's easy money and those drivers caught 3 or 4 mph over a (usually new) limit on a dual carriage way, will pay quickly. Before anyone thinks I'm anti camera, I'm not. There are many places where they are appropriate - sadly they are found more often where there is less of a case for them, open roads that were previously subject to national limits.
In any event they have been used as a method of reducing traffic police. Poor overall driving standards and a sharp reduction in vehicle road worthiness are deemed more acceptable - because they require more than a photo.
Joe
They would rather put out cameras because it's easy money and those drivers caught 3 or 4 mph over a (usually new) limit on a dual carriage way, will pay quickly. Before anyone thinks I'm anti camera, I'm not. There are many places where they are appropriate - sadly they are found more often where there is less of a case for them, open roads that were previously subject to national limits.
In any event they have been used as a method of reducing traffic police. Poor overall driving standards and a sharp reduction in vehicle road worthiness are deemed more acceptable - because they require more than a photo.
Joe
Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Mike Hughes
I think you start with all driving instructors insisting that mobiles go off or are left behind. You ban car phone chargers and specifically disable mobile reception in cars (not impossible). Penalties need to include imprisonment as fines and points are unproductive incentive wise.
Unfortunately, in the UK we have yet to master penalties for driving under the influence so slim chance I suspect.
Mike
Unfortunately, in the UK we have yet to master penalties for driving under the influence so slim chance I suspect.
Mike
Posted on: 14 August 2010 by Paper Plane
How about immediate confiscation of the idiot's mobile device and its subsequent destruction as a first step?
steve (who hates mobiles and has never sent a text in his life)
steve (who hates mobiles and has never sent a text in his life)
Posted on: 14 August 2010 by JamieL_v2
quote:Originally posted by Mike Hughes:
You ban car phone chargers and specifically disable mobile reception in cars (not impossible).
Mike
Nice ideas, but what about those who work outdoors and need to use phones in a parked car:
Builders, farmers, surveyors, and from my experience film location work. I would also add those who have broken down and need to phone for emergency services, AA, RAC, etc. Especially on a wet day or if it is snowing, or they have broken down somewhere dangerous. I agree in principle with your intentions though.
The same for Steve's suggestion, it seems a really good idea, but what about those who need a mobile for safety, a vulnerable single woman who needs the contact for safety.
Perhaps the phones should be taken and destroyed, and if they leave someone defenseless, they can be taken into protective custody (I am not being sarcastic either).
Posted on: 14 August 2010 by Tony Lockhart
Mike,
So passengers in cars can't use their mobiles either?
The problem as usual is that people assume they'll never be caught and fined. To convince people of that we would need more rozzers on the roads, tens of thousands of them. And I don't want to pay for that.
Whenever I see someone using their mobile while driving, I blast my horn at them. If windows are open, I sometimes yell "twat!" at them. Then hit the car in front of me!!
Tony
So passengers in cars can't use their mobiles either?
The problem as usual is that people assume they'll never be caught and fined. To convince people of that we would need more rozzers on the roads, tens of thousands of them. And I don't want to pay for that.
Whenever I see someone using their mobile while driving, I blast my horn at them. If windows are open, I sometimes yell "twat!" at them. Then hit the car in front of me!!
Tony
Posted on: 15 August 2010 by allthingsanalogue
i tried using my mobile when driving once, before it was illegal and found it very distracting so never done it again.
Interseting thread. I had a police car follow me the other day in 20mph zone so naturally I drove at 20, as soon as we got to a 60 he overtook me and went to 75 (without blue lights or siren) so there we both are doing 75 and then we get to 40 and catch up another car doing 50 in a 40 so he gets stopped for speeding, amazing.
Interseting thread. I had a police car follow me the other day in 20mph zone so naturally I drove at 20, as soon as we got to a 60 he overtook me and went to 75 (without blue lights or siren) so there we both are doing 75 and then we get to 40 and catch up another car doing 50 in a 40 so he gets stopped for speeding, amazing.
Posted on: 16 August 2010 by Bruce Woodhouse
A question. If somebody is involved in an accident can/do the police access their mobile phone records to see if they were using the phone at the time?
Bruce
Bruce
Posted on: 16 August 2010 by Mick P
Bruce
The police often ask for your ISP to check how long you were on your PC because a lot of people surf the net until say 3.00am and then have to rise at 7.30am to drive somewhere and are obviously tired and are involved in an accident.
Also if you are seen using the mobile and you dispute it, the police check the time/duration of your calls as a matter of fact.
This information was given to me by a policeman.
Regards
Mick
The police often ask for your ISP to check how long you were on your PC because a lot of people surf the net until say 3.00am and then have to rise at 7.30am to drive somewhere and are obviously tired and are involved in an accident.
Also if you are seen using the mobile and you dispute it, the police check the time/duration of your calls as a matter of fact.
This information was given to me by a policeman.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 16 August 2010 by Mike-B
YES
The TV program that got me all wound up to make this OP did just that
A woman ran into the back of a stationary broken down car killing the driver. The road was unlit out in the country section of the A40 (main trunk road).
The program reconstructed the vehicle movements and it was shown that the stationary car was fully visible from aprx 200m before the impact.
Phone records showed she had made/received 20 text calls & was on the phone continuously between leaving her evening meeting and the impact point and was actually on line at the time of impact.
The TV program that got me all wound up to make this OP did just that
A woman ran into the back of a stationary broken down car killing the driver. The road was unlit out in the country section of the A40 (main trunk road).
The program reconstructed the vehicle movements and it was shown that the stationary car was fully visible from aprx 200m before the impact.
Phone records showed she had made/received 20 text calls & was on the phone continuously between leaving her evening meeting and the impact point and was actually on line at the time of impact.
Posted on: 16 August 2010 by Bruce Woodhouse
So does that mean a prosecution would follow with significantly greater penalty than if, say, it were for careless driving alone? Perhaps that fact should be rather better advertised as a deterrent, although I accept it is after the horse has bolted for that particular individual.
Bruce
Bruce
Posted on: 16 August 2010 by allthingsanalogue
quote:The police often ask for your ISP to check how long you were on your PC because a lot of people surf the net until say 3.00am and then have to rise at 7.30am to drive somewhere and are obviously tired and are involved in an accident.
Interesting, I have to drive 7 days a week, get home about half 9 every night and get up at 5 every day, 6 days a week and only sleep 5 hours a night and not had a day off at all since boxing day last year. 30000 miles every year and have to do work as well.
That's my licence gone then!!
Posted on: 16 August 2010 by TomK
quote:Originally posted by Mick Parry:
The police often ask for your ISP to check how long you were on your PC because a lot of people surf the net until say 3.00am and then have to rise at 7.30am to drive somewhere and are obviously tired and are involved in an accident.
Mick
Sorry Mick but I just don't believe this. I don't care whether or not a policeman told you it just sounds like bollocks and I'd like to see some evidence. Do they ask whether you were watching a late night movie on cable, or got so tied up with the new Sarah Brightman CD you couldn't stop listening? Or perhaps you couldn't stop reading the latest Jeffrey Archer. You are aware it's quite possible to schedule jobs to run during the night aren't you? I often do routine maintenance that way, stuff like updates or virus scans. So I'm regularly online all night even though I've been asleep all that time.
Sorry but until I see some evidence I'll take this with a very large pinch of salt. I was going to say it sounded like something out of the Mail but frankly it's more like Viz.
Posted on: 16 August 2010 by winkyincanada
quote:Originally posted by allthingsanalogue:quote:The police often ask for your ISP to check how long you were on your PC because a lot of people surf the net until say 3.00am and then have to rise at 7.30am to drive somewhere and are obviously tired and are involved in an accident.
Interesting, I have to drive 7 days a week, get home about half 9 every night and get up at 5 every day, 6 days a week and only sleep 5 hours a night and not had a day off at all since boxing day last year. 30000 miles every year and have to do work as well.
That's my licence gone then!!
No, your licence will be fine. It's your life I would worry about. What makes that routine worthwhile?
Posted on: 16 August 2010 by prowla
I was following someone yesterday who was a bit slow off the mark, not quite sure if keeping left, not indicating at roundabouts, not clear about which lane they were in, and when we turned onto a dual carriageway they had a mobile phone glued to their ear.
There is no way they were concentrating on their driving.
There is no way they were concentrating on their driving.