Using mobile while driving = gaol time

shmoo · 21-12-2007, 10:20 AM

"Motorists caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving could be jailed for two years under tough new guidelines issued today by prosecutors."

Drivers who use mobile phones face jail - Telegraph

interesting. Prolly a bloody good idea if you ask me.

LuLu · 21-12-2007, 10:23 AM

"COULD" be jailed? They SHOULD be jailed. Nothing shits me up the wall more then arrogant pricks on their mobiles whilst driving. Especially women talking on their mobiles, we have to talk with our hands even when on the damn phone...

Jonchilds · 21-12-2007, 10:23 AM

Probably a touch extreme, unless they've caused an accident.
But a short stay in perth lockup may change peoples attitudes.

sathid · 21-12-2007, 10:24 AM

How often do we see jail time for drink driving?

Far worse IMHO.

Cam · 21-12-2007, 10:25 AM

Jail time is god-damn insane.

Isn't it $50 and no points at the moment? Throw more points on it, increase the fine.

Speed Demon · 21-12-2007, 10:25 AM

It will never happen people dont get jailed for drink driving so theres not much of a chance of mobile phone users being jailed

LuLu · 21-12-2007, 10:27 AM

Actually saying that, if every person who was caught on their mobiles got jail time... then our taxes would bloody sky rocket to keep those pieces of shit in jail.

*thinks* Agreed with Cam, up the fine to like $500 and 6 demerits... suffer in your jocks YEAH

Captain Starfish · 21-12-2007, 10:28 AM

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?

shmoo · 21-12-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Starfish

Here's an idea - how about a sense of perspective?

this is the internet.

LuLu · 21-12-2007, 10:34 AM

See I don't discriminate with this. I hate seeing people talk on mobiles, do makeup/hair, read the paper FFS, read road maps etc whilst driving because they have accidents and its the poor bastard that gets hit thats the one that gets injured or worse, killed.

Just pay god damn attention to the road and do your ugly face when you get the work, or read at home etc etc etc.

taint · 21-12-2007, 10:38 AM

hehe, If I see chicks doing their make-up I beep my horn or buzz them in the hope they stab themselves in the eye/draw across their faces.

but in all reality, you can be convicted on vehicular manslaughter and not be in jail for 2 years ffs

Eukanuba · 21-12-2007, 10:41 AM

but that latest harry potter book is so damn good, i just have to read while driving to work..

Machast · 21-12-2007, 10:52 AM

wikkid, best news I've heard all day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam

Isn't it $50 and no points at the moment? Throw more points on it, increase the fine.

I hope that's sarcasm... cos you know how well that's worked so far with speeding in reducing the road toll.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Starfish

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?

eating a pie requires virtually no thought... people on the phone are off in their own little world with their attention far away from where it should be. There is a specific name for it, psychologically speaking, can't remember off hand tho. Which is why it's said to be equivilent to having a couple of beers in you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eukanuba

but that latest harry potter book is so damn good, i just have to read while driving to work..

audio books perhaps? There might be a 'Christopher Walken reads...' version about

Ajax · 21-12-2007, 11:27 AM

Bunch of whingers. Everyone should know how to steer a car using just your knees. Nothing better than a little phone sex while driving.

Aphex · 21-12-2007, 11:33 AM

Meh... its in the UK not here.

g0zer · 21-12-2007, 11:34 AM

i think it makes sense, drunkeness impairs driving ability. It is widely accepted that driving drunk should be heavily punished. Using a mobile phone while driving impairs driving ability, but virtually everyone does it and it is widely accepted. I am a much better driver at .1% BAC than i am while sending an SMS or browsing my address book.

Mobile phone etiquette is lacking in too many people and i hate it. Apart from the insulting middle of the conversation 'just a sec, wait here while i turn my back on you and talk to this person' style i cant count the number of times i am a passenger in a car where the driver is always on the phone.

The moment i get into a car i ignore mine, the phone will record who called and i can call them back when i have gotten where i am going.

Spock · 21-12-2007, 11:52 AM

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.

TORQ · 21-12-2007, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ajax

Bunch of whingers. Everyone should know how to steer a car using just your knees. Nothing better than a little phone sex while driving.

And remember, always close the flap on your carton of ice-coffee when you're going round the corner, too ...

barfridge · 21-12-2007, 12:01 PM

Why are you allowed to talk on a 2-way radio while driving, but not a mobile?

The law is full of inconsistencies like this. What is you equiped your phone with a UHF radio type microphone?

Chyna · 21-12-2007, 12:03 PM

Yep, all mobiles should be banned from cars. They divert your attention from the roads, where you might run over a mother and her baby, and possibly the family jack russell.

Also, they should start making cars only big enough for one person. Having a conversation with your passenger could distract you. And windows shouldn't be able to be wound down. Wind might distract you. And if it rains? Automatic driving-ban in place immediately, all cars must be stopped where they are and must not start moving again until the road is dry.

Simple solutions. Really.