Reporting mobile use while driving

[David Higson]

Has that ever happened, ever?

If you have to resort to such hyperbolic caricatures and exaggerations, that tells you how bereft your "argument" is.

Clearly you didn't look at the link http://road.cc/content/news/31118-teen-cyclist-fined-following-death-manchester-pensioner
which refers to a slightly different situation (he wasn't using his phone but was equally distracted) but is an example of indirect action on behalf of a cyclist causing the death of someone else. I suppose that it may be difficult for some to draw inference between the similarities of the case but it exists just the same.

It is well to remember that not long ago, it wasn't illegal to drive whilst using a mobile phone. Indeed "Carphone Warehouse" used the principle as their company title. Just because something isn't illegal doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. It is only a matter of time before the first tragic accident involving a texting cyclist and a pedestrian hits the news. The numbers are irrelevant - death is death, however many. To state otherwise implies that were the reduction of cyclist death reduced to a mere handful, this would be acceptable.

Shoosmiths Solicitors recognise the potential of the offence whilst accepting the current state of the law...

https://www.eta.co.uk/cycling-and-the-law/#LAWFAQ12 ...

Can I cycle while using my mobile phone?
A bicycle is a vehicle, but according to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, amended 2003, it is only illegal to drive a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone. There is nothing about bicycles in the phrasing so, in effect, cyclists are exempt from this extremely sensible law. That doesn’t mean cycling while phoning or texting is not dangerous and you could be pulled over for a related ‘not-paying-due-care-and-attention’ offence.

However, your replies such as "To claim that cycling without paying attention as as serious as driving without paying attention is idiotic, and laughable". show a clear arrogance displayed by many who end up in court. Using the road without due care and attention, even as a careless pedestrian can cause accidents. I've said my piece and clearly you can't (or won't) see the point. I'll say no more on this topic.

 

[glenn forger]

LAST WORD!!

Saying a distracted cyclist is as dangerous as a distracted driver is saying that being hit by fifteen stone is the same as being hit by a ton and a half of metal. Laughable.

 

[benb]

I never said that dangerous cycling was OK, or didn't ever have consequences, just that it is by no measure as serious as dangerous driving.

 

[gaz]

Just in case this hasn't been said. It is worth noting that it is written in legislation that you are not allowed to drive whilst using a mobile device. The same can not be said for cycling, although it can be covered by another offense.

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

Just in case this hasn't been said. It is worth noting that it is written in legislation that you are not allowed to drive whilst using a mobile device. The same can not be said for cycling, although it can be covered by another offense.

Unless you can prove it was a phone and not a black ice block or something for the side of their head, then it's pointless. lol Most phones are of black colour and it's hard for a camera to distinguished the very fine details as to what makes a mobile phone. It wouldn't hold up in court. Just speaking the truth.

 

[Enis Baysal]

Today this driver got a little too close for my liking...
Sent in my 1st police report due to finally having half decent recording equipment *SunnycamHD* definitely a good investment for daytime footage!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVchFsersw

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Today this driver got a little too close for my liking...

Agreed, it was far too close and easily avoidable by waiting until you'd passed the obstruction.
If you don't mind a bit of constructive criticism, I didn't see any shoulder checks during that clip. There were at least three points where a quick look back would have been wise and would have alerted you to his approach.
Driver's still a muppet mind, however I don't expect you'll get anywhere reporting that to the police.
GC

 

[Enis Baysal]

I knew he was behind me already previously, (no excuse I know) but he had been tailgaiting me for a while down that road. I just gnored him and rode defensively.
But yes i need to get into the habit of doung my lifesavers I know^^
I hope the police do something..even if they only have a word.. these kinds of situations I say to myself "whats the bet a car door is going to open on me".

 

[Jonathanbrsc]

I was driving my car and a lady was having a right old conversation on her mobile even letting go of her wheel to gesticulate. I peeped my horn and she swore at me and carried on!

 

[Dippydozy]

Why only London? We have the same problem up here in Northumberland especially the rural areas. Great idea!

 

[stopsnitchin]

Close passes, fair enough, any kind of reckless driving that puts you in danger, also fair enough, some dick reporting you for being on the phone in stationary traffic is not on though. Some of you farkers are just snitching for the sake of it these days and really need to get a life.

 

[stopsnitchin]

Oh, you also blank out foul language on here, I see what kind of crowd this is, probably wasting my time with you lot then.

 

[benb]

Close passes, fair enough, any kind of reckless driving that puts you in danger, also fair enough, some dick reporting you for being on the phone in stationary traffic is not on though. Some of you ****ers are just snitching for the sake of it these days and really need to get a life.

Welcome to the forum!

You say "snitching" I say "reporting a crime"
Let's hope if your house is ever burgled, any witnesses do not share your attitude to "snitching"

 

[summerdays]

You mean you haven't been waiting to go at a roundabout and realised the person you are giving way to, on your right isn't moving and is sat there looking down at their mobile? And that the queue is building up behind them. Or at a traffic light, then they end up going just as the light changes and other cars think I'm going as I would have got through if it wasn't for that person in front?

I've said it before, they don't only do it when they are stationary at traffic lights and you still need to be aware of what is going on whilst you are waiting at the traffic lights.

 

[Spinney]

Oh, you also blank out foul language on here, I see what kind of crowd this is, probably wasting my time with you lot then.

It's a forum intended for everyone, including families. If you don't like the automatic swear filter, byeee!!!!