quick question

[_dobbo_]

Spotted this today and it stuck in my mind, so thought I'd ask the question here...

Why is it that it's illegal for us to drive with a mobile phone in hand, or for that matter an apple, but PC plod can happily drive along with her hand on her radio chatting to whoever having a jolly old laugh?

Surely this is just as illegal as it would be if I started chatting on my mobile?

[dazren]

Because they have had special training that allows their brain to work differently, makeing it safe for them to do it, but not us mere mortals.

DAZ

>> Edited by dazren on Thursday 21st April 16:34

[_dobbo_]

Thought it must be something like that.

Did someone mention a police state the other day?

[dazren]

_dobbo_ said:

Did someone mention a police state the other day?

Seems to get a mention most days around here.

DAZ

[streaky]

dazren said:

_dobbo_ said: Did someone mention a police state the other day? Seems to get a mention most days around here. DAZ

But, note; mungo has stated that his brain was not removed and replaced by that of a robot (see: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=172113&f=10&h=0&p=2)

Streaky

[carnage]

_dobbo_ said:

Spotted this today and it stuck in my mind, so thought I'd ask the question here... Why is it that it's illegal for us to drive with a mobile phone in hand, or for that matter an apple, but PC plod can happily drive along with her hand on her radio chatting to whoever having a jolly old laugh? Surely this is just as illegal as it would be if I started chatting on my mobile?

My force uses a newish radio type called Airwave, which among other useful functions (like allowing control room operators to covertly monitor your conversations) allows point-to-point conversation juts like a mobile. We have been instructed that under no circumstance are we to use this will driving, and instead use the car sets.

Can't speak for all forces, but our cars have a press to talk button/stalk on the steering wheel, just like a light aircraft.

I can see why this grates though, and its easy to forget and use your personal radio by mistake.

[SotonS2]

Has the law been changed to include radios then ?

west-midlands.police.uk said:

Q14. Are 2-way radios be included in the new offence? The use of 2-way radio equipment when driving is not included in the new offence but remember there is still a risk of distraction and prosecution under other powers.

Not that I can see any difference between a radio and a mobile phone....

[wolf1]

The difference is a radio is a simplex system which only allows one user to broadcast at anyone time whereas mobile phones are duplex systems and both parties can broadcast/speak at the same time.

[SotonS2]

Ah, I see - simplex calls like I get from the missus Never manage to get a word in.

But seriously, THAT is the difference and determines whether its legal or otherwise ? Still doesn't seem right to me..

[GKP]

You can buy the cheapo walkie talkies from almost anywhere these days (from Asda to Dixons to Toys R us!) anything with a couple of miles range is usable.

I often use them when travelling in "convoy" (well on the way to a show or a drive out etc!) with another member of our group happily knowing that we're not breaking the mobile phone law - although I'm sure someone who wears a uniform for work will try and point out about how I should be in proper control of the vehicle at all times