Was I being too Harsh? -Driving whilst using phone
Discussion
gh0st said:
If everyone let every minor incident go without even expressing some kind of displeasure people will think they can do what they LIKE all the time. At least Mr Ford MIGHT think about not doing it again, not guaranteed admitidly, but possible....
Cheers,
Steve
Totally see your point and I used to think the same way up until a couple of years ago. Then I realised that unless you are a police officer (and sometimes not even then) people really and seriously wont give a
what you think because they will always be "in the right" as far as they are concerned.
Be totally honest for a minute - if someone flashed at you for overtaking them on the motorway at 90MPH, would you start driving at 70 on the motorway in future?
Gh0st
(not trying to start one, just putting across my point of view and trying to save you some serious blood pressure in the future like I almost had
You are right of course, sometimes I can laugh, sometimes it makes my blood boil, neither will change their behaviour though. It would be nice to think Someone will realise they are driving like a twat.
Cheers,
Steve.
The apparent lack of tolerance and 'I'm always right' attitude in this thread is absolutely amazing.
We used mobile phones from about 1985 until last year without the need for 'hands-free' and there were very few accidents attributed to it. Probably more could be attributed to speeding cars, so before we condemn phone users, we had all better drive completely within the limit at all times.
It seems as though to some (not all) on here, unless we are driving as quickly as conditions permit at all times, and in the 'right sort of vehicle', cause us to be deemed 'numpties' - how intolerant. If I want to drive my wife's Picasso at 45 to 50 on a sunny afternoon in an NSL, who should tell me I shouldn't, when that person complains that he can't drive at 100 mph. He would call me a 'numpty' for doing so, then get in my way when I'm in my Cooper 'S' in the lanes at night.
More tolerance is needed. How can we tell the BiB's to be more tolerant when we fail to display similar tolerance. I don't use my phone without hands free now, but I don't really care if someone else does. I see the police still use their handsets whilst driving - yes, I know they are exempt, but it doesn't change the safety aspect any.
Rant over!!
We used mobile phones from about 1985 until last year without the need for 'hands-free' and there were very few accidents attributed to it. Probably more could be attributed to speeding cars, so before we condemn phone users, we had all better drive completely within the limit at all times.
It seems as though to some (not all) on here, unless we are driving as quickly as conditions permit at all times, and in the 'right sort of vehicle', cause us to be deemed 'numpties' - how intolerant. If I want to drive my wife's Picasso at 45 to 50 on a sunny afternoon in an NSL, who should tell me I shouldn't, when that person complains that he can't drive at 100 mph. He would call me a 'numpty' for doing so, then get in my way when I'm in my Cooper 'S' in the lanes at night.
More tolerance is needed. How can we tell the BiB's to be more tolerant when we fail to display similar tolerance. I don't use my phone without hands free now, but I don't really care if someone else does. I see the police still use their handsets whilst driving - yes, I know they are exempt, but it doesn't change the safety aspect any.
Rant over!!
gh0st said:
I have joined a motorway whilst being on the phone before.
No problems.
Lucky you!
gh0st said:
Nothing inflamatory about the remark, just a matter of cause.
Not sure what you mean by this, but I still think that saying you're "not allowed to comment on somone's terrible driving becuase you broke a copyright law" a little strange
gh0st said:
Next time you drop some litter or let your dog poo on the grass and "forget" (or really forget because it was an accident) to pick it up, would you want some wierdo following you round shouting at full volume - "LOOK WHAT HE DID!!!! UMMMMM IM TELLING ON YOU"
Don't litter, and don't have a dog. If I did have a dog, however, and I let it maul someone then I wouldn't think it inappropriate if the victim complained. Even if he/she had shoplifted a penny sweet when they were 15.
gh0st said:
Let it go. These things happen. They will always happen. and there will always be someone out there willing to point it out to make themselves feel better...
Couldn't agree more, let it go is a very good attitude to have, with (as Streetcop has pointed out) many deranged Kenneth Noye types on the road. but as someone's pointed out here, perhaps a blast of the horn as Mr/Mrs Numpty is about to change lanes into you, might make them think twice (or even once) next time.
Cooperman said:
The apparent lack of tolerance and 'I'm always right' attitude in this thread is absolutely amazing.
We used mobile phones from about 1985 until last year without the need for 'hands-free' and there were very few accidents attributed to it. Probably more could be attributed to speeding cars, so before we condemn phone users, we had all better drive completely within the limit at all times.
It seems as though to some (not all) on here, unless we are driving as quickly as conditions permit at all times, and in the 'right sort of vehicle', cause us to be deemed 'numpties' - how intolerant. If I want to drive my wife's Picasso at 45 to 50 on a sunny afternoon in an NSL, who should tell me I shouldn't, when that person complains that he can't drive at 100 mph. He would call me a 'numpty' for doing so, then get in my way when I'm in my Cooper 'S' in the lanes at night.
More tolerance is needed. How can we tell the BiB's to be more tolerant when we fail to display similar tolerance. I don't use my phone without hands free now, but I don't really care if someone else does. I see the police still use their handsets whilst driving - yes, I know they are exempt, but it doesn't change the safety aspect any.
Rant over!!
You have a Picasso. Point in case
It is not the phone use perse that bothers me, just stupid use, the same as stupid speed, stupid pulling out, stupid stopping, stupid no signal, stupid fog lights, stupid no lights in the dark etc etc.....
P.S. I don't mind you 45 in a 50, but I think 40 in a 70 on a Dual carriage way is bonkers......
That is true cooperman, but the same applies to seatbelts....
I see lots of people using mobiles when im on the bike going to and from work. Usually I give them a shitty look as I pass them.
A mate of mine (Police) has also mommented on the number of people he see's that flaunt the law (it really anoys hom when he isnt in uniform and on duty)
I see lots of people using mobiles when im on the bike going to and from work. Usually I give them a shitty look as I pass them.
A mate of mine (Police) has also mommented on the number of people he see's that flaunt the law (it really anoys hom when he isnt in uniform and on duty)
gh0st said:
If someone is actually putting your life in danger then that changes the goalposts a little dont you think...
If someone is doing something wrong but is not harming anyone (doing 77 on the motorway, taking a phone call, whatever) then i leave them be. If someone swerves across a roundabout without warning almost running me and others off the road then I am merely alerting them to my presence as stated in the highway code. No problem with that.
When does the realisation that your life is in danger become evident?
By that time it is very often too late to avoid the accident, particularly when the other driver acts in a way completely unexpectedly, like swerving into you (whilst distracted by the phone) or pulling out of a junction without slowing at all into you(personal experience of mine).
I would rather honk the horn in the safety zone rather than have to take evasive action in the danger zone.
And if the other driver is swerving across a roundabout into you do you have time to honk the horn?
And if you do decide to honk the horn whilst in the danger zone, why are you not carrying out the evasive manouvers?
It is also illogical to compare doing 90mph in a 70 zone with using a mobile phone on the move or any other so-called offence.
It is not simply the fact they are illegal, it is the impact they have on your driving and the creation of a hazard to other drivers.
If I am on the road I take the time to look out for you as well as me.
I show respect for your life, your property and wellbeing by making myself aware of you.
If I am on the phone I am not able to do so to the extent I would otherwise.
Using a phone does take away SOME concentration and so boils down to a lack of respect.
Driving past you at 90mph, I have still made myself aware of you and judging the traffic, environment etc may decide to slow down if necessary before speeding up once past you.
It is not simply the fact they are illegal, it is the impact they have on your driving and the creation of a hazard to other drivers.
If I am on the road I take the time to look out for you as well as me.
I show respect for your life, your property and wellbeing by making myself aware of you.
If I am on the phone I am not able to do so to the extent I would otherwise.
Using a phone does take away SOME concentration and so boils down to a lack of respect.
Driving past you at 90mph, I have still made myself aware of you and judging the traffic, environment etc may decide to slow down if necessary before speeding up once past you.
If someone wants to risk their own life without harming anyone else then that's up to them.
If, however, they start to do something which puts you or someone else at risk, then they deserve the horn blowing/gestures etc.
It simply can't be safe to use your mobile as you're pulling out onto a motorway because the move warrants your full attention.
I don't have an issue with phones being used when stopped in traffic but when motorists switch lanes without warning because they've got a phone to their ear and I'm filtering on the bike, then you risk words and/or gestures.
If, however, they start to do something which puts you or someone else at risk, then they deserve the horn blowing/gestures etc.
It simply can't be safe to use your mobile as you're pulling out onto a motorway because the move warrants your full attention.
I don't have an issue with phones being used when stopped in traffic but when motorists switch lanes without warning because they've got a phone to their ear and I'm filtering on the bike, then you risk words and/or gestures.
davel said:
If someone wants to risk their own life without harming anyone else then that's up to them.
If, however, they start to do something which puts you or someone else at risk, then they deserve the horn blowing/gestures etc.
It simply can't be safe to use your mobile as you're pulling out onto a motorway because the move warrants your full attention.
I don't have an issue with phones being used when stopped in traffic but when motorists switch lanes without warning because they've got a phone to their ear and I'm filtering on the bike, then you risk words and/or gestures.
gh0st said:
If someone wants to risk their own life without harming anyone else then that's up to them.
If, however, they start to do something which puts you or someone else at risk, then they deserve the horn blowing/gestures etc.
It simply can't be safe to use your mobile as you're pulling out onto a motorway because the move warrants your full attention.
I don't have an issue with phones being used when stopped in traffic but when motorists switch lanes without warning because they've got a phone to their ear and I'm filtering on the bike, then you risk words and/or gestures.
davel said:
It simply can't be safe to use your mobile as you're pulling out onto a motorway because the move warrants your full attention.
bollocks!
pick up phone on slip road, start dialling, check mirrors and road ahead, carry on dialling, put phone to ear, check mirrors and road ahead and carry on
Where, exactly, is the danger?
Are you now going to say that no-one is allowed to change a CD on a slip road, or change gear, or chat to their passenger??? Or light a cig or any thing else that takes their eyes off the road?
I've driven hundreds of miles on autopilot, mind completely elsewhere and not a moment of danger, even though I cant really remember any details of the journey.
I've also driven hundreds of miles while concentrating, and thats when I've
ed it up. 
telling BMW man to get off his phone last week. WVM was coming round a roundabout and stopped in front of BMWM to give him a four letter 
What a load of intolerant drivel this thread has become.
So, it's all right to break laws in respect of maximum legally allowed speed, but not alright to break the laws about the use of mobile phones. The original law in respect of careless driving covered inappropriate use of mobiles well enough, and the old speeding laws, pre-camera, covered dangerous speeding well enough.
Now there are some who want to pontificate about the use of mobiles whilst ignoring the speed limits.
Let's be clear, one thing (mobile phone use) is not always dangerous and another thing (speeding) is not always safe.
Let's just drive safely within our own personal limitations and stop castigating others who are doing so just because they drive differently from you or me.
So, it's all right to break laws in respect of maximum legally allowed speed, but not alright to break the laws about the use of mobile phones. The original law in respect of careless driving covered inappropriate use of mobiles well enough, and the old speeding laws, pre-camera, covered dangerous speeding well enough.
Now there are some who want to pontificate about the use of mobiles whilst ignoring the speed limits.
Let's be clear, one thing (mobile phone use) is not always dangerous and another thing (speeding) is not always safe.
Let's just drive safely within our own personal limitations and stop castigating others who are doing so just because they drive differently from you or me.
Cooperman said:
Let's be clear, one thing (mobile phone use) is not always dangerous and another thing (speeding) is not always safe.
You can make a judgement about the safety of your speed in the environment you are in.
If you are on the phone you are likely to be distracted to a degree from the environment you are in.
Can you not see the difference.
The issue is not and cannot be equated to "If its ok to break one law it is also ok to break another".
mondeoman said:
bollocks!
pick up phone on slip road, start dialling, check mirrors and road ahead, carry on dialling, put phone to ear, check mirrors and road ahead and carry on
Where, exactly, is the danger?
Are you now going to say that no-one is allowed to change a CD on a slip road, or change gear, or chat to their passenger??? Or light a cig or any thing else that takes their eyes off the road?
Unless a driver happens to be particulary bad, changing gear does not require you taking your eyes of the road, and also takes only a second or so. Dialing a number requires more concentrtaion and takes longer.
said:
I've driven hundreds of miles on autopilot, mind completely elsewhere and not a moment of danger, even though I cant really remember any details of the journey.
You were lucky then, people that drive around in a daze should be relagated to using the bus or train.
swilly said:
Let's be clear, one thing (mobile phone use) is not always dangerous and another thing (speeding) is not always safe.
You can make a judgement about the safety of your speed in the environment you are in.
If you are on the phone you are likely to be distracted to a degree from the environment you are in.
Can you not see the difference.
The issue is not and cannot be equated to "If its ok to break one law it is also ok to break another".
No, sorry, I can't see the difference, you are either driving safely or you are not, it's that simple. Using the phone, hands-free or not, is no more or less distracting than searching for a CD or tape, getting a chocolate bar out of the glove box and opening it, taking a cigarette from a packet and lighting it, etc.
This 'black-or-white' attitude is just so hypocritical. If I use a mobile whilst on a m'way at 02-00 hours how am I more dangerous than if I'm just doing 100 mph on a m'way at 15-00 hours, but not using the phone. It's not an absolute thing as dangerous or not dangerous, it depends on the circumstances, which is why the previous laws were quite sufficient.
Too much b****y hypocracy here. What right has anyone to gesticulate at another driver because their driving attitudes are different. All of us do things which might well annoy other drivers at times.
If someone almost crashes into me whilst on the phone, or almost crashes into me bexcause he is driving too fast, what is the difference, or is speeding the sacred cow here.
It's a matter of driving safely, that's all there is to it. It's not mobile phones which are the danger, nor speeding, nor eating or smoking whilst driving. It's just BAD DRIVING which causes accidents.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff