Mobile phones and dangerous driving
16-March-2010
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Mobile phones and dangerous driving

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How many times have you driven to work in the morning and either on a dual carriageway or parked at traffic lights looked at the car next to you; only to be confronted by the sight of some Muppet with a mobile phone glued to his or her ear.
Using a mobile phone and driving
image: size-isnt-everything.co.uk

It is a sight that is now becoming increasingly common as more people than ever before have mobile phones and people drive to work rather than use the pathetic public transportation system (see previous gripes!).  However, a recent study at the Transport Research Laboratory sponsored by insurer Direct Line has provided new evidence that driving and using a mobile phone may be more dangerous than driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

The research showed that on average the reactions of the driver were nearly 50% slower than when driving normally and that even using a hands free kit did not completely eliminate the distraction caused by having a telephone conversation whilst driving.

mobile phone and driving is illegal...

Using a hand held mobile phone and driving is illegal in many countries including the UK and those caught in this country are usually prosecuted for dangerous or careless driving. Some MP’s however believe that it should be treated as a separate offence and are currently trying to push bill through parliament banning the use of hand held mobile phones when driving.

car accidents caused by talking on mobiles
image: size-isnt-everything.co.uk

It is not just the Nokia wielding maniacs that give me cause for concern.  A friend of mine emailed me this morning to tell me about a woman he saw driving at around 100mph in a BMW with her face close to the rear view mirror as she applied her makeup.  Also, the number of times I’ve seen a sales rep sitting in his company car either shaving or reading the paper just never ceases to amaze me.  Why???

Other Related Gripes

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Dangerous things people do when driving
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Car parking for the selfish
Driving lessons, wrong time and place
Slow drivers are dangerous too
Mobile phone use in public places
Car insurance company useless
Mobile phone ringtones drive me mad
Speeding fines, yet another one!
Insurance companies are nothing but sharks

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ohhh, youthful..u reek of purity. we should meet some time. where do you live?
*bianca ho  07-Jan-2010 12:34

 
lol you need to buy a good dictionary you are sooooo sad and obviously devoid of personality.
*notlaughingatyou  01-Nov-2009 19:14

 
lol, go and see a doctor, you really do need help!
*Stan Derwick  28-Oct-2009 23:05

 
suck my dick no its no u lot are liers suck my dick no its no u lot are liers suck my dick no its no u lot are liers suck my dick no its no u lot are liers suck my dick no its no u lot are liers suck my dick no its no u lot are liers suck my dick no its no u lot are liers suck my dick no its no u lot are liers suck my dick no its no u lot are liers suck my dick no its no u lot are liers
*lol  09-Oct-2009 10:26

 
I saw some dozy cow driving while on her mobile phone this morning. It seemed like she couldn't care less! One of these days she's gonna plough into something (or worse still, someone). Anyone caught using their phone while driving should get a minimum fine of £500 and a 6 month ban for careless driving (or as I like to call it, driving like a bloody ar**hole!)
*kiwi  17-Sep-2009 23:12

 
Hiya youthfull griper!!
I have read a few of your comments and really enjoy them! I read from one of your previous comments you are interested in trains?
I see below you are also Into buses. Me Too!!
You and me seem so similar, Perhaps we could be really good mates?
*Normski  17-Sep-2009 11:11

 
Seezy ta gerow a dis one. gerra good quality picsure ofan ear. stick it on tha back o yer car moby. bizzys dont see nor the cammys.easy
*Scouse pete  17-Sep-2009 10:43

 
In March this year, I was driving my bus along the M62. I was doing 50, a woman in a Micra ahead was doing around 45mph! As I neared her I pulled out to overtake. I noticed she was on her mobile phone.

My friend who was sat on the rear nearside seat was recording the journey on his camcorder. As my friend became level with her, he pointed the camcorder at her. She noticed and put the phone down. She then floored it, thus undertaking me and as she'd got to the front of the bus again she was back on the phone. I pulled back in and continued my journey. On a phone and doing 45mph on the motorway?!

People don't seem to care at all, even when you pull alongside them in lights and signal for them to stop. They look as if they've done nothing wrong and I'm the one in the wrong for pointing it out.
*Youthful Griper  17-Sep-2009 08:05

 
To Richerthanyow: Just cos you drive a gas-guzzling tank does not mean you can use your mobile phone whilst driving! It is ILLEGAL. Has been since 1st December 2003. Hope you get caught someday. You deserve to you arrogant f**ker!
*kiwi  17-Sep-2009 03:05

 
Some of the comments on here on here are amazing..
Take Ben for example; in order to display his displeasure with a driver for being distracted, he proceeded to focus all of HIS attention on honking (a major roadway distraction, when I hear a horn I instantly begin looking for a hazard. I don't know about the UK but in the state honking for no reason is illegal because it's distracting!) and then actually made eye contact with her (taking his eyes off of the road).
Wow, what a great example he's setting. He's going to become even more distracted to make a point about how dangerous it is to drive while distracted!
*Michelle  20-Jul-2009 01:25

 
Some of the comments on here on here are amazing..
Take Ben for example; in order to display his displeasure with a driver for being distracted, he proceeded to focus all of HIS attention on honking (a major roadway distraction, when I hear a horn I instantly begin looking for a hazard. I don't know about the UK but in the state honking for no reason is illegal because it's distracting!) and then actually made eye contact with her (taking his eyes off of the road).
Wow, what a great example he's setting. He's going to become even more distracted to make a point about how dangerous it is to drive while distracted!
*Michelle  19-Jul-2009 23:48

 
this website is so right driving and mobileing SHOULD STOP it casues deaths all other the world
*turtle man  25-Feb-2009 14:59


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