Stumble It!
Nanny state gone mad?
I had to check the date when I heard
that the Crown Prosecution service has floated the idea that
talking to a passenger while driving could be made an
offence.
No, just double checked. It is not April 1.
This is just one of their barmy suggestions. The other is that tuning the car radio could also be an offence.
So what is the intention? If we are not allowed to speak to people or tune the radio, who is going to be responsible for all the accidents caused by the resulting bored and frustrated drivers?
Yes, we all know that you can be distracted when talking to a passenger. And you certainly can be distracted if you recklessly fiddle with the radio.
Few people argue with banning use of hand held mobile phones while driving. The fact that you have to hold the thing means you are driving one-handed while also potentially distracted by the conversation. That is a pretty serious handicap to safe driving.
You don't have to hold a radio. And existing laws already adequately cover offences of driving without due care and attention, or reckless driving - should you insist on driving while your attention is distracted.
In the same outpouring the CPS has suggested jail sentences for offences such as using a hand held phone or tailgating a vehicle. Both these are serious issues and ones that should be enforced by law.... but jail? Surely not.
Not when someone committing a more serious crime like breaking into a car or a house is quite likely to get off with a mere fine.
No, just double checked. It is not April 1.
This is just one of their barmy suggestions. The other is that tuning the car radio could also be an offence.
So what is the intention? If we are not allowed to speak to people or tune the radio, who is going to be responsible for all the accidents caused by the resulting bored and frustrated drivers?
Yes, we all know that you can be distracted when talking to a passenger. And you certainly can be distracted if you recklessly fiddle with the radio.
Few people argue with banning use of hand held mobile phones while driving. The fact that you have to hold the thing means you are driving one-handed while also potentially distracted by the conversation. That is a pretty serious handicap to safe driving.
You don't have to hold a radio. And existing laws already adequately cover offences of driving without due care and attention, or reckless driving - should you insist on driving while your attention is distracted.
In the same outpouring the CPS has suggested jail sentences for offences such as using a hand held phone or tailgating a vehicle. Both these are serious issues and ones that should be enforced by law.... but jail? Surely not.
Not when someone committing a more serious crime like breaking into a car or a house is quite likely to get off with a mere fine.
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