UK drivers caught texting could get 2 years behind bars
UK Drivers caught texting or operating a range of gadgets behind the wheel -- including MP3 players and GPS systems -- could face a new maximum of two years in prison. Currently the crime is punishable by £2,500 fines or community orders, although the most common offense is using a mobile phone whilst driving, which results in a £60 fine and three points on a license. Shifting to a higher category of dangerous driving from the previous category of careless driving might not solve the problem of people ignoring the current restrictions: if the current problem is poor enforcement, then it's hard to see extra deterrence making a difference. But hey, the cops over there seem to think that hovering drones and unbridled surveillance does the trick in other areas of criminality, so who are we to argue?[Via PocketPCThoughts]
Filed under: Misc
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gordon Hickley @ Sep 8th 2007 6:04PM
The police have found it's far easier and more financially rewarding to criminalise motorists than pursue traditional crime like theft, rape and murder. Expect more tightening of the screw for motorists.
Brien Mizell @ Sep 9th 2007 11:27AM
Is that a new phone? I haven't seen anything that futuristic since... 1996
Michael I @ Sep 9th 2007 12:07PM
Harsh, but a good idea, how come we couldn't come up with something that intelligent in the us, oh wait.. bush
DMiff @ Sep 9th 2007 3:37PM
Anything to prevent the chance that harm may occur. The next step is jail time for checking out that girl in the car next to yours, or reading that funny bumper sticker with the small type.
I thought the government was supposed to arbitrate claims of harm between citizens, not restrict actions of citizens just in case that action might lead to a possibility of a claim of harm.
You are correct though Michael, one good thing that Bush has done is keep the so called "liberals" from inflicting these ridiculously authoritarian laws on us. (I know, I know, this is the silver lining on an awful presidency.)