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Police warning to drivers on phone
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POLICE issued a new warning to drivers today to get off the phone.
The penalty for using a handheld phone while driving is a £60 fine and three penalty points.
As well as being illegal to use a phone at the wheel it is also highly dangerous as driver reaction times are dramatically reduced.
Dorset Police have made a film to help get the message across which can be viewed on the Dorset Echo website.
It features interviews with members of the public stopped for using a phone while driving.
Traffic officer Sergeant Nikki Fawkes, who also appears in the film, said: "People seem to forget that driving is a skill that requires full concentration.
"Even if you are a careful driver it's easy to be distracted by a phone call or text message.
"It is vitally important that as soon as you are behind the wheel, you concentrate on only one thing - the road ahead."
Research has shown that driver reaction times can slow down by 50 per cent when using a handheld phone.
Sgt Fawkes added: "Our message is very simple - it is not acceptable to pick up the phone while driving. Wait until it is convenient to pull over safely, or when you have arrived at your destination, before making or taking calls.
"In addition, callers have a responsibility in keeping the roads safe. If the person on the phone is driving then hang up and speak to them later."
Police say the warning also applies to anyone thinking of sending or reading a text message while driving which could be even more dangerous.
Employers should not put pressure on employees to make or receive calls while driving.
Sgt Fawkes said: "We are determined to make our roads safer and will continue to target motorists who put themselves and others in a dangerous position by using a phone behind the wheel.
"We urge drivers to support us by choosing the safe option of not using a mobile phone at all while driving. Callers can help by ensuring they do not phone someone they know is driving, or hang up as soon as they realise."
2:06pm Thursday 20th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: dunketh, Portland on 2:37pm Thu 20 Mar 08
I wander how answering a mobile compares to eating a choccy bar, talking on a CB radio or having a glug of Pepsi?
I can understand making calls being a distraction but answering them is no more distracting than your average passenger - be they nagging wives or children!
I wander how answering a mobile compares to eating a choccy bar, talking on a CB radio or having a glug of Pepsi?
I can understand making calls being a distraction but answering them is no more distracting than your average passenger - be they nagging wives or children!
Posted by: yogi, weymouth on 2:38pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]dunketh[/bold] wrote:
I wander how answering a mobile compares to eating a choccy bar, talking on a CB radio or having a glug of Pepsi? I can understand making calls being a distraction but answering them is no more distracting than your average passenger - be they nagging wives or children![/quote] Must be a white van driver!!!
dunketh wrote:
I wander how answering a mobile compares to eating a choccy bar, talking on a CB radio or having a glug of Pepsi? I can understand making calls being a distraction but answering them is no more distracting than your average passenger - be they nagging wives or children!
Must be a white van driver!!!
Posted by: Puter Expert, Weymouth on 2:52pm Thu 20 Mar 08
another distraction whilst driving is talking to your passenger but not as dangerous as using a mobile.on that i believe hands free kits in phones should be illegal as well thats why i never answer my phone whilst driving.
another distraction whilst driving is talking to your passenger but not as dangerous as using a mobile.on that i believe hands free kits in phones should be illegal as well thats why i never answer my phone whilst driving.
Posted by: dunketh, Portland on 3:06pm Thu 20 Mar 08
I find it far more distracting trying to locate that one murray mint that flicks away from you when you try to unwrap it.
Knees on the wheel, hands scrabbling about under the dash and fingers crossed the chap in front doesnt brake suddenly.
By comparison, using a phone is a doddle!
PS: I wish I had a white van, people know to stay out of your way then. lol!
I find it far more distracting trying to locate that one murray mint that flicks away from you when you try to unwrap it.
Knees on the wheel, hands scrabbling about under the dash and fingers crossed the chap in front doesnt brake suddenly.
By comparison, using a phone is a doddle!
PS: I wish I had a white van, people know to stay out of your way then. lol!
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