Drivers to be banned from picking up mobile phones

[Stratman]

No more photos or games while driving

It will become illegal for anyone to pick up and use their mobile phone while driving, under new legislation to be enacted next year.
The change will end a loophole that can allow drivers to escape punishment for using a hand-held phone to take a photo or play a game.
Mobiles will still be able to be used to pay for a drive-through takeaway.
And drivers will still be able to use devices hands-free under the plans, the Department for Transport said.

more...

 

[DoberMan]

I would prefer it if it was 'Drivers picking up mobile phones to be banned'.

 

[Deleted member 150136]

What about sat nav on phones?

 

[Deleted member 65149]

What about sat nav on phones?

What about it? Don‘t touch your phone whilst driving - for whatever reason.

 

[Deleted member 150136]

Don't touch it?
Even to cancel or change route?
Isn't that the same as changing radio station?

 

[Stratman]

What about sat nav on phones?

From the article I helpfully linked:-

And drivers will still be able to use devices hands-free under the plans, the Department for Transport said.

Ministers have rejected calls to also ban the use of hands-free function, for example using a sat-nav in a phone cradle.

• Using a hand-held mobile phone or sat-nav while driving is illegal
• Any hands-free devices should be fully set up before you drive

 

[optimusprime]

And me, no one should use a phone in the car full stop . In a few years time all the yougsters will have one ear bigger than the other it will be sauare . I have kids by me that have to use the phone to find the way to school . They never look up to speak, and have no idea of whats going on around them .One child down by us ,, in a way was killed by her own mobile phone ...she stepped out in front of a passing bus. And people with young ones know just what i am talking about .

 

[davymead]

Traveling as I do up and down the country on motorways, I’m staggered just how many people are blatantly texting on their mobiles. Normally so obvious by their lane movement.

 

[MCFastybloke]

Who will stop them?

 

[Darrell]

Traveling as I do up and down the country on motorways, I’m staggered just how many people are blatantly texting on their mobiles. Normally so obvious by their lane movement.

As a cyclist I can only concur.

 

[Darrell]

Who will stop them?

Nobody will stop them but at least they can now get done for it.

 

[gaz_l]

I worked out a long time ago that trying to use a phone whilst driving is a bad idea. Now both cars have built in hands-free and satnav, the mobile always stays in my jacket, and gets chucked in the boot before I drive off. If anyone sends me a text, I figure it’s not that urgent or they would have rung, and it can wait until I stop to get answered. There’s probably a way to get it displayed in the car but I’ve never bothered to look into it. Like I say, can’t be that urgent.

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[davymead]

I worked out a long time ago that trying to use a phone whilst driving is a bad idea. Now both cars have built in hands-free and satnav, the mobile always stays in my jacket, and gets chucked in the boot before I drive off. If anyone sends me a text, I figure it’s not that urgent or they would have rung, and it can wait until I stop to get answered. There’s probably a way to get it displayed in the car but I’ve never bothered to look into it. Like I say, can’t be that urgent.

Cheers,

Gaz

Absolutely. Technology now available means there’s no excuse whatsoever.

 

[Stratman]

^^My ancient Lumia 520 Windows phone in combination with my equally ancient Nokia CK-7W handsfree kit can read texts out loud, should I want it. It can take dictation for a reply too.

 

[Darrell]

Absolutely. Technology now available means there’s no excuse whatsoever.

That’s why I don’t understand the Range Rover gang in Mill Hill using their phones while they drive.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

That’s why I don’t understand the Range Rover gang in Mill Hill using their phones while they drive.

It’s so the rif-raf can see how important they are

 

[hgb]

Stick your phone in a cradle and use 'Hey Google' or 'Hey Siri' and they will read texts (and other messages like WhatsApp), allow you to dictate texts, take voice instruction for navigation or to ring people. No excuse for ever touching your phone while driving.
Of course a lot of cars also have these features built in.
Six points is probably fair - it would be great if a few more people got caught and it became more of a deterrent.

 

[Stratman]

I still think a bigger deterrent to a fine would be on the spot confiscation of the phone. You get it back when you've paid your fine and the points are on your licence.

 

[neilrr]

Who will stop them?

And there you have it.

The penalty could be summary execution at the side of the road but with virtually nobody enforcing it a lot of people will chance it.

 

[davymead]

Being a lifelong anti establishmentarian, I still think using and particularly, texting on a mobile should carry a 3 month immediate ban. Time this crass stupidity was stopped. It’s that dangerous IMHO.