Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain Starfish
For fuck's sake, why is there such a shitstorm about mobiles?
How is talking on a mobile different to, say, trying to balance a pie and iced coffee, do makeup, read the paper or just light a cigarette whilst you're driving?
Here's an idea - how about a sense of perspective?  |
+1
The problem with absolutes such as "He should be gaoled for using the phone" is that it is open to abuse.
For instance, the a few weeks ago I was stopped at the lights on the mighty CBR125R going between motorcycle lessons (I am an instructor) and while stopped the lights had a quick look at my phone to see the time. Note that no gymnastics are required for me to do this as my phone lives in a pouch on my backpack strap and is easily accessible.
Anyway, after a quick glance at the phone, I put it back, lights turn green and I take off. About 50m after the leaving the lights, police sirens come on and an unmarked Commodore pulls me over.
Now I had no clue what they were pulling me over for and it was only after the usual "Is this your bike?" "Have you got your licence?" etc., the cops finally tell me what I've done wrong: "Using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle" apparently.
I point out I just glanced at the screen while stationary but to no avail. Cops give me the 3rd degree. Only when I grovel and admit that I was a very bad boy and am VERY sorry do they finally let me off with a warning.
Now some of you may disagree - but this is bullshit. Why is it okay to take my glove off, unzip my jacket sleeve and roll it up to see the time on my watch but not to glance at the time on my phone? Alternatively I could keep a pocket watch on me and pull that out to see the time and I'd be A-OK legally.
For that matter, in cars, why is it okay to adjust your radio, light a cigarette, eat a sandwich, talk to your kids in the back seat etc, but now we are told it should be a gaol-able offence to pick up your phone and look at it?
As the good Captain said, some people need to get some perspective - and the police need to concern themselves with enforcing the SPIRIT of the Law and not the LETTER of the Law.
