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UK: New Drivers Caught Using a Phone Will Lose Their License (bbc.com)
Under new rules in England, Scotland and Wales, drivers caught using a phone within two years of passing their test will have their license revoked. BBC reports: Penalties for using a phone at the wheel double from March 1 to six points and a 200 British pound fine. New drivers who get six points or more must retake their practical and theory. More experienced drivers can be banned if they get 12 points in three years. Can I check social media or texts if I'm queuing in traffic or stopped at traffic lights? No -- a hand held phone cannot be used, even if stopped at lights. Texting and scrolling social media (even if the phone is mounted on a hands-free holder) is distracting and dangerous. It doesn't come under the handheld mobile phone law but the police may decide to charge you with a number of other offenses. Can I use my phone to listen to music, play podcasts or watch video clips? You can't watch video clips -- not even if your phone is mounted in a hands-free holder. You can use your phone to listen to music and podcasts but only if your phone is in a hands-free holder or connected by Bluetooth. However, just as you can be distracted by the noise of a car radio, if it affects your ability to drive safely, you could still be prosecuted by the police. Can I use my phone's sat nav? Yes -- as long as the phone is mounted in a hands-free holder. If it's in your hands, it's illegal. However, if you are distracted by the sat nav and it affects your ability to drive safely, you could still be prosecuted by the police.
Same in Florida. They get speeders and DUIs, never texters/distracted drivers. I'm honestly less scared of someone with a .09BAC than someone texting, yet texting and driving seems to be treated like a seatbelt violation or something. It's nuts! I'm usually not in favor of criminalizing common behavior but this is people's lives. Don't use your fucking phone in the car, especially not to text/interact with the screen! Because it worked 999 times in the past doesn't mean it will always work. It is lowering your ability to drive considerably.
So, we should see advertising billboards along roads removed because they are specifically designed to grab peoples attention.
There was a cop in Atlanta I think that made a point of getting people stopped at lights or stop signs that were texting. He got droves of them. Most people believe it's only while you're moving but that's not the case. If I have to use my phone I've gotten to where I just pull over in a parking lot or something. I had a case where I was trying to unlock it so I could call and I ran right through a red light. Thank God no one was in the intersection. That cured me. My arrogance in thinking I was superior could have been a disaster.
Oh come on. A common sense law that you can't watch movies while you drive isn't evidence of a police state. Put down the crack pipe.
I'm glad you lived past your "oh shit" moment. I used to be a serious leadfoot as a teen and young 20's guy. One day I almost lost traction with my younger sister and her friend in the car and almost slammed into a huge concrete divider. The type of thing that separates an interstate exit from the main trunk. It scared the shit out of me and made into a 100% defensive driver. I had done autocross previously and knew how to gas through corners under pressure (RWD) etc, but I just didn't "get" it until I almost killed a family member. I held onto that feeling, and I hope you also don't forget your humbling lesson. Life is fleeting!
The sat nav didn't kill her; stupidity killed her.
I've fallen off your lawn, and I can't get up.