These signs and laws in the UK are a result of multiple fatalities a year or two ago caused by a tractor unit + trailer plowing into stationery cars (in gridlock) and it was later discovered the driver was SMS-ing at the time.
The ban on the use of mobile phones while driving was another result of this tragedy, only wireless hands free talking is allowed during driving, with NO use of the main phone during ANY aspect of making a call (activation button on the headset is the only allowable control and you have to obviously use voice commands).
These laws are very enforceable, a police man only has to see you in a car (stationery in gridlock or otherwise) using a phone and you will be pulled over, as you are not allowed to be using it for SMSing or calls while driving. Warrants for data on cell traffic from the network on the alleged cell phone would also be sought for any court case.
The UK's quick and blanket response to matters of road safety are probably partly responsible for the UK having half the automotive related deaths (per 100'000 of population) than the USA (according to the "economist" in an issue last year). So much for "unsafe" small cars and a higher (70mph) speed limit.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nemi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM
These signs and laws in the UK are a result of multiple fatalities a year or two ago caused by a tractor unit + trailer plowing into stationery cars (in gridlock) and it was later discovered the driver was SMS-ing at the time.
The ban on the use of mobile phones while driving was another result of this tragedy, only wireless hands free talking is allowed during driving, with NO use of the main phone during ANY aspect of making a call (activation button on the headset is the only allowable control and you have to obviously use voice commands).
These laws are very enforceable, a police man only has to see you in a car (stationery in gridlock or otherwise) using a phone and you will be pulled over, as you are not allowed to be using it for SMSing or calls while driving. Warrants for data on cell traffic from the network on the alleged cell phone would also be sought for any court case.
The UK's quick and blanket response to matters of road safety are probably partly responsible for the UK having half the automotive related deaths (per 100'000 of population) than the USA (according to the "economist" in an issue last year). So much for "unsafe" small cars and a higher (70mph) speed limit.