Using Mobile whilst driving

I saw in the paper the other day someone suggesting making available some sort of technology which would block the use of mobile phones while driving. Maybe the boffins could come up with something of that sort which would block the use of phones while the car engine is switched on.

This has been suggested before but how would such a protocol differentiate between a driver and a passenger.

The technology has always been there, it's called the "off" switch. 

I walk our dogs for about 1 hour every day and because we live in a very built up area and the traffic is very heavy the amount of people I see useing phones is very worrying,  lots are texting while on the move. If a police officer in plane clothes stood on our main road he would take at least 10 or more vehicle reg in one hour. My only comment is they must be far better drivers than me because I'm not that sharp, but I did drive an HGV for 40 years without an accident.

Perhaps you could suggest this to the Police yourself?  I struggle to text at all - but while driving - as you say - but I still don't think the texting  generation are immune to lapses in concentration. 

I saw in the paper the other day someone suggesting making available some sort of technology which would block the use of mobile phones while driving. Maybe the boffins could come up with something of that sort which would block the use of phones while the car engine is switched on.

This has been suggested before but how would such a protocol differentiate between a driver and a passenger.

The technology has always been there, it's called the "off" switch. 

Spot on. The drivers phone switched off not affecting the passengers ability to use their phone.

This is not going to go down well but I do think that we have look at this a bit more carefully.

I have no reservation in stating categorically that I believe the use of hand held mobile phones whilst driving is dangerous and anti social. I also agree with the member who suggested that the Police should be able to seize and crush the phones of those found using them.  The act of Txting is even worse as it takes eyes of the road for even longer.

BUT I do have reservations about also condeming drivers who have fully automatic hands free systems built into their car.  I have read the contra views but I still remain unconvinced that they are more dangerous than talking to a passenger or driving with unruly kids etc.  Remember too that whatever is decided, it has to be enforceable and there is almost no-one to do that today.

I think we have to look at what is acheviable and what will whatever we legislate for, will be ignored by many as unreasonable etc.

Perhaps we should look outside the box and strive to make such communications better, - to build hands free systems that are even better, cause less distraction and require less effort to initiate etc.   Recognise that in this day & age people will always require the ability to be in touch, and to find ways of making it better and safer!

TF

Good post TF, However in my opinion it is the actual depth of the conversation that i used to find destracting not how easy it was to make it, for example if i had to describe a solution to  a technical problem to someone then i found this to be far more distracting than a simple social call as far more thought had to go into the call and then far less thought for the road?

Good post TF, However in my opinion it is the actual depth of the conversation that i used to find destracting not how easy it was to make it, for example if i had to describe a solution to  a technical problem to someone then i found this to be far more distracting than a simple social call as far more thought had to go into the call and then far less thought for the road?

I have to admit to once, completely missing my exit on a motorway while talking on the phone. 

 

Good post TF, However in my opinion it is the actual depth of the conversation that i used to find destracting not how easy it was to make it, for example if i had to describe a solution to  a technical problem to someone then i found this to be far more distracting than a simple social call as far more thought had to go into the call and then far less thought for the road?

I have to admit to once, completely missing my exit on a motorway while talking on the phone. 

Good of you to admit to useing a phone on the motorway, but did it stop you useing a phone while driving afterwards.

I've missed a motorway exit and that was without distractions. 

 ...

Good of you to admit to useing a phone on the motorway, but did it stop you useing a phone while driving afterwards.

I rarely have need to use a phone behind the wheel these days, but my cars have bluetooth for hands free if I did (not as clever as the voice activated mentioned here). The above was many years ago before it was illegal to use a hand held phone behind the wheel.

I've missed a motorway exit and that was without distractions. 

Too fast and in the outside lane? 

(I'm kidding ..... honest )