While a number of
studies have concluded that driving while using a cellphone can be dangerous, and many governments impose fines for
driving-while-talking, the number of DWT cases prosecuted in the UK has actually risen by 75% in the past year.
However, indications are that the rise may have less to do with chattier motorists than with stepped-up enforcement by
police, including the use of tag-reading cameras. UK DWT fines are due to double, from £30 to £60 this
year, so prosecutions may actually start to decline -- unless the chattering class of drivers is also
price-insensitive.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eagle117 @ Apr 4th 2006 5:38PM
Here in the US I've seen 2 or 3 police on the phone while driving without their lights on. What is good for the goose is good for the gander?
MacroEQ @ Apr 4th 2006 6:03PM
I am still amazed (and annoyed) that people are still given a "slap on the wrist" whilst talking on their mobile/doing makeup/brushing teeth etc.etc. whilst driving when they've had many months notice that this legislation would come into place.
I would like to see a 500 fine imposed. Thats what it will take for people who are arrogant enough to drive and put their own life and the lives of other at risk.
Buy a bluetooth headset for your car or pay a 500 fine. Thats what I'd like the choice to be.
Gain @ Apr 4th 2006 6:24PM
And what about handsfree? Can I use them? I don't live in UK, but I'm planning to move there
south @ Apr 5th 2006 3:36AM
I love that cellphones were so quickly banned around the world, meanwhile the red-hot element of the cigarette lighter (not to mention the burning cigarette itself) remains perfectly legal to use while doing 100km/h.
soop @ Apr 5th 2006 5:28AM
#3 Yeah you can use handsfree.
And the reason cases have risen so much is because it was only made illegal last year. At least I'm pretty sure.