Driving and using your mobile maybe against the law in the future

[The PIT]

Yes it looks like our Government is considering it although I don't know how they are going to inforce it. Perhaps hands free should a standerd fitting on all new cars??

[CHHAS]

We already have a law against using mobile phones without hands free while driving here in Denmark.

[Technoid]

Theres other things thats more distracting than mobile phones

Kids, Backseat drivers (AKA:Your wifes mother), dogs, etc etc....

[Wombat]

I disagree. Anyone that is actually in your car can get a clue as to exactly when it's a bad time to be talking. That also don't permanently occupy one hand.

[HedsSpaz]

I agree with Wombat, when was the last time you tried to actively use your computer and talk on the phone at the same time? Where you succesful at it? I know I at least am incapable of carrying on an intelligent conversation if I am trying to do something on my computer.

The same phenomena applies to cars. Most people are not capable of multitasking well enough to give safe levels of focus to their driving and still be able to talk on the phone.

I've had this argument with dozens of friends of course, and we are split pretty evenly down the middle about it. The problem is, that many of my friends are rather intelligent and are capable of multitasking in such a manner, and seem not to believe at times that the rest of the world can't do the same.

At any rate, I just don't believe that its safe, I know that when I'm in a car with a person who is driving, and they start talking on their mobile, there is a marked decrease in their apparent driving skills (which in many cases are less than confidence inspiring in the first place). These are of course the same people who claim to be able to multitask well enough to drive and talk on the phone at the same time.

Anyway, thats my take on it. I don't trust people to actually put their full attention on the road.

Ian

[Greebe]

My uncle owns a cellular network in Ohio, even he has stated several times about close calls with other vehicles, missing ramps etc while chatting and like myself only uses hands free now because of it. There is a world of difference between hands free and cramming a phone to your head, blocking your vision etc. Anyone who distracts a driver it's the drivers responcibility to control the vehicler and the situation while it's in motion at all times.

If they do not then it's a good thing you didn't have a father like mine, or even how I am when a friend or other children act up in the backseat. (My son is the only exception)

[The PIT]

The anti mobile phone lobby want a complete ban. I'm in favour of hands free otherwise you would have to ban talking in the car as well.

[The PIT]

Originally posted by Technoid
Theres other things thats more distracting than mobile phones

Kids, Backseat drivers (AKA:Your wifes mother), dogs, etc etc....

Back seat drivers my normal response is. Do you want to get out and walk becuase it's a very long way. Otherwise shut it.

[Wulfman]

talking without hands free (while driving of course) is already prohibited here in austria. especially important if an accident happens...

mfg
wulfman

[The PIT]

I can't see how there gonna enforce it though. Are you going to report someone driving with a mobile in the hand. What about the mobile disco's they should be banned as well.

[103er-Fan]

Here in germany it is already not allowed to drive when you have a mobile phone in your hands. But it seems like only a few people really care about that: In my street there is a police station, and there are many people who drive there while having a mobile phone in one hand.
Here it is allowed to use a hand-free mobile phone system while you are driving.

I don't have a driving license, so I don't know if you are really driving worse than usual while having a chat via the phone, but I can really imagine that, especially if the chatting-subject is a "critical" one...

[The PIT]

If you make the fine big enougth people will care. If your police are like our police they'll be fairly useless anyway.

[UtwigMU]

Allready illegal to drive with mobile as well in Slovenia. Only handsfree allowed.

It's right decision IMO. The main arguments is blocked hand using the mobile (I use my phone with right hand and change gears with the left one in case of an emergency conversation).

[Ribbit]

I say hands free only. Having a hand occupied removes half your ability to control the car. I don't have a hands-free kit myself, so if someone calls me I pull over before answering.

As for the multitasking thing: I'm quite capable of carrying on a conversation while I'm driving. However, I keep my eyes on the road and mirrors, and if I need to concentrate that little bit harder, I shut up and ignore the other person for the moment. The road comes first, always.

OTOH, like HedSpaz, I find it difficult to talk on the phone and use the computer at the same time...

[The PIT]

Originally posted by Ribbit
I say hands free only. Having a hand occupied removes half your ability to control the car. I don't have a hands-free kit myself, so if someone calls me I pull over before answering.

As for the multitasking thing: I'm quite capable of carrying on a conversation while I'm driving. However, I keep my eyes on the road and mirrors, and if I need to concentrate that little bit harder, I shut up and ignore the other person for the moment. The road comes first, always.

OTOH, like HedSpaz, I find it difficult to talk on the phone and use the computer at the same time...

And there is one sensible person pity more don't do what you do.