Drivers using mobile phones

[wheres_my_beard]

I have seen lorry, bus, taxi, van and car drivers all doing this.

Is pointing out to drivers that using a phone whilst driving is not a great idea, even if it's not held at their ear but still held in a hand, just asking for trouble?

I hate riding, near junctions especially, to find that I have pulled up, but not neccessarily stopped, next to someone in mid conversation on their mobile, clearly oblivious to me and everything else around them.

This has been illegal for ages; anyone had any experiences of this or advice on what to do if anything?

 

[cd365]

It's only illegal if they get caught by the Police so if you point out to them that it is illegal they will get very defensive and more than likely abusive as well

 

[Tinuts]

I find that staring at them until they realise you have a helmet cam pointed directly at them sometimes works.........

 

[Banjo]

While you are absolutely correct in that it is illegal and dangerous I think you are just creating stress for yourself also a chance that it could turn nasty.

If its a commercial vehicle bus etc you could contact the company and complain if you feel strongly enough.Probably be more effective than a confrontation on the road.

 

[Bicycle]

I too see lots of motorists using telephones while driving (riding a bicycle gives you a great vantage point).

I'm not sure anything would be gained by pointing the offence out to drivers.

Would it modify their behaviour or thinking? Unlikely.

Might it make them think "Another yogurt-knitting, planet-saving cyclist with nothing better to do than find faults in others"? Not unlikely.

More stress, nothing gained.....

 

[exbfb]

How do you know who the person in the car is ?

It was once pointed out to me that the bloke in the car could be anyone at all.
you have no idea who you might be delaing with...

They may take your advice willingly.
They may take your advice grudgingly.
They may not like your advice at all.
They may be an argumentatve type and give you verbal right back. Great, now you've made your day.
They may be the local psycho who will now choose to follow you, run you off the road and then happily kick seven shades out of you.

All of the above are very possible.
When I'm in my car, I can't police other peoples actions.
The bike's no different apart from they're more likely to be able to injure or kill me.

I think quietly dissaproving will do me fine.

 

[Moodyman]

How do you know who the person in the car is ?

It was once pointed out to me that the bloke in the car could be anyone at all.
you have no idea who you might be delaing with...

They may take your advice willingly.
They may take your advice grudgingly.
They may not like your advice at all.
They may be an argumentatve type and give you verbal right back. Great, now you've made your day.
They may be the local psycho who will now choose to follow you, run you off the road and then happily kick seven shades out of you.

All of the above are very possible.
When I'm in my car, I can't police other peoples actions.
The bike's no different apart from they're more likely to be able to injure or kill me.

I think quietly dissaproving will do me fine.

Absolutely - as Bentmikey/Cycling Mikey off this forum experienced a few months back. The driver got out and was about to hit him when Mikey pointed out the helmet camera. The driver then walked off shouting expletives.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

There seems to be a consensus that drivers may well be easily riled, potentially aggressive bastards. Interesting.

I have also felt that directly saying something or even a gesture is not likely to be taken well, and have wussed out of doing or saying anything, besides shaking my head whilst staring at them. This has probably gone unnoticed tbh.

Recording details of commercial drivers is an idea, and may well be something I do, especially for large vehicles like buses and lorries.

 

[supercooper]

I was at a junction once and there was a dumbo texting on his and he wanted to go left so I thought when the lights go green I will wait till he goes but when they changed he was oblivious to it so I thought I will go , At that point the driver behind him bibbed his horn so he shot off like a rocket not noticing me , Turned left right in front of me and took my front wheel with him and I slammed into his mirror . Anyway police came guy behind him saw the lot . I git £1500 compo from him and I later found out he got 6 points and £150 fine .

 

[ohnovino]

I've only spoke to a driver about it once.

I explained to her that if she's going to use her phone while driving, she might want to change out of her police uniform first, otherwise it might get her in a bit of trouble

 

[wheres_my_beard]

I was at a junction once and there was a dumbo texting on his and he wanted to go left so I thought when the lights go green I will wait till he goes but when they changed he was oblivious to it so I thought I will go , At that point the driver behind him bibbed his horn so he shot off like a rocket not noticing me , Turned left right in front of me and took my front wheel with him and I slammed into his mirror . Anyway police came guy behind him saw the lot . I git £1500 compo from him and I later found out he got 6 points and £150 fine .

Nasty. I hope you weren't hurt. Thats the kind of thing I'm worried about happening to me. Especially as Norwich drivers are in a world of their own at the best of times.

I've only spoke to a driver about it once.

I explained to her that if she's going to use her phone while driving, she might want to change out of her police uniform first, otherwise it might get her in a bit of trouble

Ha.

 

[fimm]

I spoke to a man in a van who was just coming out of the office car park while on his phone. He wasn't impressed and told me to report him - so I did. Just to the security guard, mind you.

 

[fossyant]

Only ever did it once - to a bint who pulled out in front of me - I took evasive action and shot down the inside of the car (going too fast to stop as she pulled out in front) - she beeped me , so I turned round and told her to look where she was going and get off the 'f'ing phone - she dropped it sharpish.

 

[addictfreak]

It's only illegal if they get caught by the Police so if you point out to them that it is illegal they will get very defensive and more than likely abusive as well

No! It's illegal at all times.

 

[summerdays]

I have told various ones to get off the phone but mostly they just ignore me... I had one do a U-turn whilst still on the phone and gesticulate at me at the same time!!! How he missed hitting someone I've no idea. I've mostly given up saying/doing anything but sometimes I can't help myself.

This last week a dozy woman was driving along at about 4 mph (I'm not kidding) whilst looking down at her phone... eventually she literally parked it in the middle of the road to take the call - which I guess was safer!