More Death By Phone.....

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-39444331
When are they going to get serious with this mobile phone menace?

[Baldric]

As I have the ability to walk and talk at the same time I think I can cope with the occasional Hands Free Call.

[murraymints]

mind that lamp post Balers !!

walking and talking is fine..NOT when you are in control of a lethal weapon...ie a vehicle..as has only recently very sadly been demonstrated !

[Baldric]

Accidents happen!

[murraymints]

but can be avoided sometimes !

[TWR]

TTT, I've been in front of the T.M. many many times for NOT answering the phone, my answer to them, I gave an estimated time of Arrival but anything can alter that, a flat, an accident, my breaks, the company I was carrying Cement for was very safety Minded, I stated this when they tried to give me a rollocking, practice what you preach.

[SlackAlice]

These firms that 'badger' their drivers via mobiles for location info should invest in GPS locators for their vehicles. Several firms already use them. London Buses all have them fitted for many years because it has been integrated into the iBus information system

[TWR]

Slack, the HGV I was driving had a tracker & all the tracking BULL S devices fitted to the UNIT ( front) & the trailer but that did not stop them ringing, if it hits them in the pocket, then it will stop.

[New Judge]

“He was using a 'Hands Free' phone which as far as I know is Legal.”

Quite so, Balders. But he was charged with dangerous driving. It is no defence to say that I was using my hands-free phone legally when I ploughed into the back of stationery traffic so no charges for careless or dangerous driving can be brought. There’s lots of things for which there are no specific prohibitions whilst driving such as drinking coffee, watching a TV set or reading a newspaper. But you would not expect a driver who caused an accident (or even one that didn’t) whilst doing one of those things not to be prosecuted. The mobile phone offence was introduced to make prosecutions for using them simpler – no evidence of poor driving is necessary but the simple act of using one completes the offence. This gentleman was not charged under that legislation but using his phone aggravated the more serious offence.