dcbwhaley wrote:
Steve wrote:
It seems one or two people need to be reminded this site is concerned with the use of speed cameras, not mobile phones.
Which is why the site should not express or
appear to express the opinion that it opposes the current legislation on mobile telephones.
The official Safe Speed stance has not been to 'oppose' the ban on HH. I have stated that more research is required to fully understand this whole area. Whilst distraction is a clear issue we do need to thoroughly understand conversation behaviours.
The forums are separate to the website and discussions on the forums are not that of the official word or opinion of the Safe Speed Campaign, the aim being to ensure that there is a platform available to openly and frankly discuss all issues.
As I have already suggested in the on-going thread far more research is required to fully understand 'conversation' and conversing while operating a vehicle, and all other aspects.
Informed opinions are only achievable with good thorough research.
I suspect that the current ban on HH use is a 'quick' reaction, in an attempt to see if that 'solves' the problem, but I would need to research this to be sure that was their intention.
Distraction when driving is not to be encouraged, and I think the ban on HH was hoped people would turn to HF devices, but IMHO that has not been as widespread, as they had perhaps hoped. Enough regulation (inc any & all enforcement) is only required to achieve the desired effect e.g. less accidents to people and property.
Those regulation/ enforcement or policy changes must be necessary, proportionate and appropriate. All policy changes need to be based upon sound engineering and good research, clearly showing that a problem exists (in the first place), and that the solution/s proposed is fully justified with the enforcement process clear.
One of the main issues that has arisen from this debate, is that when control of a vehicle is impaired through distraction, this is covered by existing policy and enforcement, making additional regulations (Laws) potentially un-necessary: 'for other interests from road safety objectives'.
Partly indicated by the lack of encouragement to improve behaviours, and the 'prosecution by use', alone. Also when incidents occur the information gathered to show precise 'phone use' data will be most telling. Looking thoroughly into the psychology of conversation and communication would be most helpful.
Once full research is available it may show that all mobile use is unacceptable, or perfectly feasible under certain circumstances, that certain people 'types' should or should not use HH or HF (etc.) and all the other possibilities!
[To identify, develop and encourage "policy" based road safety improvements.
To remove other interests from road safety objectives.
... Road safety initiatives and policies must be monitored and evaluated honestly, impartially and accurately]