Mobile ‘phones. Almost everyone has one although not all of us know how to use more than the most basic functions. The technology involved in the things is quite frightening in many respects, but fear not I have no intention of bleating on about how clever the ‘phones themselves are, no indeed, it’s the stupidity of the users that has rattled my cage.
The government banned drivers’ use of hand-held mobile ‘phones months ago: if you need to make a call while driving, you must use a hands-free set. Motoring organisations suggested the new law did not go far enough, calling for a complete ban on drivers using mobile ‘phones because any conversation that distracts the driver is dangerous.
How many drivers took notice of the new legislation? Well I honestly don’t know, but I see hundreds of drivers flaunting the law every day, driving along and chatting away without a care in the world. Do the police pull them over? They may occasionally, but obviously turn a blind eye most of the time. How do I know? Simple observation, it’s as easy as that.
So now there’s a whole rash of research available that aspires to prove the use of any mobile phone whilst driving is a highly dangerous action. Motoring organisations have called again for a full ban on mobile phone use by drivers. The government has looked at the problem again and suggestions have been made that a total ban may be implemented. Well excuse me, but if the police aren’t interested in prosecuting drivers who currently break the hand-held ‘phone ban, what evidence is there to suggest they’ll be any more vigilant should the current law change? And anyway given the size and efficiency of Blue Tooth technology, how the hell are the police to know whether a driver is making a ‘phone call or simply talking to a small child belted into the back seat of the car? I fail to see how such a law could be policed.
Don’t get me wrong I’m certainly not in favour of drivers using mobile ‘phones, far from it in fact. Having seen a young mother driving to school and chatting away on her hand-held with her kids clambering out of control around the back of her “Chelsea Tractor” run into another driver innocently waiting to turn right in the road, I’m in favour of a ban. Having witnessed some fool driving along the motorway in excess of 70mph, while using an electric razor AND chatting away on his mobile, I’m very much in favour of a ban.
The current law is being abused and ignored. Any future legislation is likely to suffer the same fate in my opinion. I’m inclined to believe driver education is what’s needed: either that or a simple complete, full, total lifetime ban for the morons who put other people’s lives at risk by insisting on holding their conversations instead of concentrating on their driving.
