Driving whilst using mobile phone

Originally Posted by Bluepete

He wasn't denying using the phone, but made a reasonable argument that as he was going so slowly, he didn't feel he was puting anyone in any danger. His driving, as far as I could see was fine.

This is Pete's original post which many on here haven't read properly, instead there's lots of supposition about how slow speed driving and phone use is so dangerous etc etc

If his driving was 'fine' and his argument was 'reasonable' - Pete why did you give him a ticket? Did it achieve anything, except a great deal of resentment?

Originally Posted by Ed

This is Pete's original post which many on here haven't read properly, instead there's lots of supposition about how slow speed driving and phone use is so dangerous etc etc

If his driving was 'fine' and his argument was 'reasonable' - Pete why did you give him a ticket? Did it achieve anything, except a great deal of resentment?

But as also pointed out by Pete, the guy didn't see a marked up BMW X5!

[Bluepete]

Originally Posted by Ed

If his driving was 'fine' and his argument was 'reasonable' - Pete why did you give him a ticket? Did it achieve anything, except a great deal of resentment?

I gave him the ticket because the offence was complete. His argument was made in a reasonable manner, rather than the usual shouty way, but was only that he felt at slow speed, it was OK to use his phone. However, I felt that in those circumstances, with all the hazards I described, he should be prosecuted.
Personally, I wouldn't, and don't ticket people I see on phones stationary at red lights, I just shout at them to put it down. However, when you are driving along, you are fair game.

Pete.

Perhaps he did, and thought as it was going in the opposite direction, there was unlikely to be a problem?

Originally Posted by Bluepete

I gave him the ticket because the offence was complete. His argument was made in a reasonable manner, rather than the usual shouty way, but was only that he felt at slow speed, it was OK to use his phone. However, I felt that in those circumstances, with all the hazards I described, he should be prosecuted.
Personally, I wouldn't, and don't ticket people I see on phones stationary at red lights, I just shout at them to put it down. However, when you are driving along, you are fair game.

Pete.

Fair dooze Thought about this some more - I still think it was mean to issue a ticket. If the driving was 'fine' even with the hazards described, I think I'd be feeling p*ssed off.

Last week I saw an ambulance driver pull out from a petrol station with mobile phone stuck to his ear - surely he of all people should know the dangers?

Last year, a car driver had pulled in to an farm track entrance/exit to take a call, as farmer approached to leave he pulled out on me without looking and nearly took me off the bike.

I think there should be zero tolerance. Also think the law should be engine off.

[Spiderman]

Jeez dont get me started on Abmo drivers on mobiles. I politely told one young lady ambo driver that she of all people should know better when i stopped at the lights next to her after she had failed to even notice me there and nearly squashed me against the car beside me...only for her to say "why dont you f**k off!"
She had another crew member in the passenger seat and i said "cant your friend take it if its a work thing?" and she replied " i told you to f**k off!" so i took out my mobile. stood in front of her ambo and took a pic of her holding the phone to her ear and made a formal complaint about her and her attitude to LAS, who in credit to them dealt with it harshly and quickly.

Originally Posted by Spiderman

Jeez dont get me started on Abmo drivers on mobiles. I politely told one young lady ambo driver that she of all people should know better when i stopped at the lights next to her after she had failed to even notice me there and nearly squashed me against the car beside me...only for her to say "why dont you f**k off!"
She had another crew member in the passenger seat and i said "cant your friend take it if its a work thing?" and she replied " i told you to f**k off!" so i took out my mobile. stood in front of her ambo and took a pic of her holding the phone to her ear and made a formal complaint about her and her attitude to LAS, who in credit to them dealt with it harshly and quickly.

you're brilliant you are

Spidey that was very funny

What worrys me more about it is that it isn't limited to "smaller" vehicles. I've not long since got back from a ride, and at one junction an articulated lorry turned across my nose while on the phone. I wouldn't even have a hope if that had turned in early.