Safe Speed Forums

I have been reading more comments about the distractions of mobile phones. A lot of people that use them claim they 'aren't affected' by their use and can drive safely. I think there is an opportunity to promote exemptions to people if they pass a rigourous test to show they are capable of driving while using a phone. When they fail will they then learn they can't and stop doing it? Those that pass (if any) could have a phone sticker on their car so people know they are in the presence of an enlightened multi tasker I actually think the handsfree phones are just as much of a distraction as a hand held phone and those that pass tests should be allowed to use them, and those that don't shouldn't. Companies could be offered this service as they could then make a positive contribution to health and safety of their employees. Those that can't phone and drive shouldn't be forced to and should have some protection against losing their job.

This could start the idea that some people are actually more capable than others so you could have other exemptions which were tested, instructed for and educated for. It is no different to some people having A levels and others having doctorates.

I tend to disagree. I use a hands free phone quite a lot whilst driving. I only call people on my "one button list" or answer calls. I can happily have a conversation and pause the conversation whilst I negotiate a roundabout or junction. (just as I would do with a pasenger)

The tests that I have seen on telly ask people to do two strange things that you don't do in real life.

zig-zag through cones, somthing that requires high concentration.
And count backwards from 1000 or a similar stupid task like a stressfull job interview.

Then when the driving goes wrong they claim proof.

I think it helps to have a good quality sony hand free car kit rather than a cheapy set from the market. And I think an in-ear blootooth set can be more distracting/harder to ignore.

Texting or reading texts is near impossible and shouldnt happen. hows about a text to voice reader!

(mind you , I can't stand texting any way )

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Speed limit sign radio interview. TV Snap Unhappy
“It has never been the rule in this country – I hope it never will be - that suspected criminal offences must automatically be the subject of prosecution” He added that there should be a prosecution: “wherever it appears that the offence or the circumstances of its commission is or are of such a character that a prosecution in respect thereof is required in the public interest”
This approach has been endorsed by Attorney General ever since 1951. CPS Code

I do not think holding a phone is that much of a problem providing you do not look at the phone to dial/answer, the call is brief and you are not at a junction or in moving traffic for instance. The problem is people don't stop talking/thinking about the conversation and concentrate on their driving when required. This is down to the driver again not the tool.

A test is an interesting idea but probably unenforceable - a bit like letting advanced drivers have higher speed limits.

Edited to add.

I do not use a phone while driving for a number of reasons, one of which is that it makes me uncomfortable when I spot another driver near me doing so. A little like driving with one hand, it is possible and can be pretty safe but it looks very sloppy.

Or seasoned drinkers have higher blood alcohol levels

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"Show me someone who says that they have never exceeded a speed limit, and I'll show you a liar, or a menace." (Austin Williams - Director, Transport Research Group)

Any views expressed in this post are personal opinions and may not represent the views of Safe Speed

There is more truth in that than you may think!

I remember *years* ago (On Nationwide! Do you remember that?)

The team did a demo at TRL (IIRC) where the journalist team was put through varios tests of skill and judgemnet while being plied with Vodca & Orrange!

The range of abilities (both Drunk and sober) was astoninshing. Particularly dramatic was one guy (clearly a seasoned alcoholic hack in his 40's) who not only performed quite well to start with, but whose performance actually improved with increacing BAL! Infact at 210mg/100ml he performed better than one of the younger wommen stone cold sober (I will leave the effects of even modest levels of alcohol on her performance to your imagination )

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"The road to a police state is paved with public safety legislation"