http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: "End this deadly phone epidemic now" en Sun, 31 May 2026 12:05:11 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-318714 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 10:54:56 +0000 chdot 318714@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/01/world-first-mobile-phone-detection-cameras-rolled-out-in-australia" rel="nofollow">https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/01/world-first-mobile-phone-detection-cameras-rolled-out-in-australia</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-286868 Fri, 13 Jul 2018 09:30:58 +0000 neddie 286868@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"struck by a Mitsubishi Warrior"</p> <p>I think the word "Warrior" about says it all really. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-286843 Thu, 12 Jul 2018 18:15:25 +0000 Murun Buchstansangur 286843@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Some details I haven't seen elsewhere here:</p> <p><a href="https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/driver-could-avoided-hitting-carol-14892518" rel="nofollow">https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/driver-could-avoided-hitting-carol-14892518</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-286838 Thu, 12 Jul 2018 17:07:53 +0000 neddie 286838@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I note the BBC have updated the language used in that article:</p> <p>Previously it said, "died after falling off her bike". Now it says, "died after a collision with a vehicle while on her bike"</p> <p>I wonder if some vociferous cycle twitterati corrected the BBC in their grossly inhuman manner of reporting?</p> <p>I mean "falling off her bike"!?, conveniently omitting that she died because she was run over by an enormous pick-up truck </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-286824 Thu, 12 Jul 2018 13:37:09 +0000 gembo 286824@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I smell masons? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-286819 Thu, 12 Jul 2018 13:18:38 +0000 Stickman 286819@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-wales-44806460" rel="nofollow">https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-wales-44806460</a></p> <p>"A husband and wife have been cleared of attempting to pervert the course of justice after the death of Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman's mother." </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-286753 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 13:04:43 +0000 gembo 286753@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>from the same article [relating to the accused and his wife on the phone to each other possibly whilst the husband is driving his vehicle]</p> <p>On Monday, Mold Crown Court was told that the pair exchanged several phone calls in the run-up to the fatal crash, the last one terminated an estimated four seconds before the collision. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-286748 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 12:13:09 +0000 Murun Buchstansangur 286748@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://road.cc/content/news/244882-police-officer-father-driver-accused-killing-carol-boardman-intervened" rel="nofollow">http://road.cc/content/news/244882-police-officer-father-driver-accused-killing-carol-boardman-intervened</a></p> <p>'A senior police officer whose son is on trial for causing the death by dangerous driving of Carol Boardman attempted to prevent officers from interviewing his daughter-in-law about the fatal crash, a court has been told.'</p> <p>I will refrain from saying what I think until the conclusion of the case. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-245347 Thu, 23 Mar 2017 22:05:13 +0000 chdot 245347@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/cars/car-news/quarter-british-drivers-think-using-mobile-wheel-better-speeding_3fe544e4c8b8087db4b4fe47efbb3de2" rel="nofollow">http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/cars/car-news/quarter-british-drivers-think-using-mobile-wheel-better-speeding_3fe544e4c8b8087db4b4fe47efbb3de2</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-243818 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 09:57:27 +0000 I were right about that saddle 243818@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The injustice of losing your driving licence for <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/01/new-drivers-caught-using-phone-wheel-will-lose-licence-new-laws/">ONE MEASLY TEXT MESSAGE.</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-243811 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 05:28:30 +0000 twq 243811@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Ed1 I worry we're about to enter a dark ages - incidents caused by distracted drivers are going to increase sharply as more vehicles use this "smart" tech. At least until self-driving cars become a reality! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-243766 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:37:29 +0000 Ed1 243766@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I am not sure what the difference is between someone using integrated I pad in dash board with the same interface as a mobile phone to work a phone or using a handheld. Either touch screen interfaces should be banned when driving or not. </p> <p>If someone uses a hand held device that can also receive phone calls that is attached to the dash on a holder, this is illegal, yet if someone uses the exact same interface that is built in to the dash then its legal. </p> <p>If someone using their I pad to play to skip song this is legal if they use the same function on the same interface on an I phone to change tune it’s not.</p> <p>What needs change is legislation to keep up with technology initially hand held phones were considered unsafe as one hand off wheel. Now most phone activity may not relate to calls but using the touch pad for text maps music etc, this is exactly the same if using a built in E pad or the similar my ford touch or whatever bespoke version the manufacture has fitted. </p> <p>The hand held device problem with diminish more and more newer cars have built in touch screens but the safety problem may not as its taking eyes of road to work a swipe screen that may cause crash. On old cars devices all tactile on new cars can even operate the volume or station without using non tactile touch screen buttons in some cars.</p> <p>I suppose the problem with the legislation is that it is arbitrary, as comes down is the touch screen built in or not, if not does it the capability to receive calls. So 3 devices with same interface working the same functions 2 legal 1 not.</p> <p>Would tend to think touch screens should be banned from being used in cars when driving. The trouble is if rules don't come in to force soon on this more of the existing cars on the road with have touch screens, then the normal pragmatic approach by UK gov would just effects new cars then end up with stock of cars that be around for next 15 years with unsafe devices that are legal to use if already fitted. </p> <p>In Germany as oppose to uk new legislation sometimes effects all cars such as no non cat cars on the autoban even if car is 30 years old and not fitted etc. Apart from the London van and truck euro rules most legislation in uk is on registration date. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-243761 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:05:17 +0000 neddie 243761@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Drivers caught using a phone within two years of passing their test will have their licence revoked under new rules</p> <p><a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39118523" rel="nofollow">http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39118523</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-236008 Wed, 09 Nov 2016 14:22:31 +0000 acsimpson 236008@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>But what is really needed is more enforcement. Until drivers think that they might be caught the size of penalty is largely irrelevant. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-236001 Wed, 09 Nov 2016 13:39:43 +0000 neddie 236001@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Drivers in England, Scotland and Wales caught using a mobile phone for the first time will automatically receive penalty points, under government plans.</p> <p>Previously, motorists in some police force areas could avoid points by taking a remedial driving course.</p> <p>But ministers believe it is not a tough enough measure to deter people from using a hand-held phone while driving.<br /> They have also confirmed plans to raise fines for offences from £100 to £200 and penalty points from three to six.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37917087" rel="nofollow">http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37917087</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-235084 Mon, 31 Oct 2016 15:48:48 +0000 Harts Cyclery 235084@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This should be shared across social media.</p> <p><a href="http://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/tragic-video-trucker-kills-family-phone-a34-crash/" rel="nofollow">http://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/tragic-video-trucker-kills-family-phone-a34-crash/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-235069 Mon, 31 Oct 2016 13:02:29 +0000 chdot 235069@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.itv.com/news/2016-10-31/lorry-driver-who-killed-mother-and-three-children-while-on-mobile-phone-sentenced-for-10-years/" rel="nofollow">http://www.itv.com/news/2016-10-31/lorry-driver-who-killed-mother-and-three-children-while-on-mobile-phone-sentenced-for-10-years/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-231027 Sat, 17 Sep 2016 11:46:18 +0000 nobrakes 231027@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@IWRATS I understand what you are saying, it is better for us all to see each other as friends rather than enemies. I do personally believe though that a cultural shift is required, and this needs more stick than carrot. </p> <p>I think as a species we are becoming more selfish, angry and prone to not caring about others. Today I was returning from a ride and was about to turn right off the A7 into our drive. I'm 2/3 of the way towards the middle white line, am indicating right and also have my bike indicator flashing, which is brighter than most motorbike indicators. I look in my mirror as I am about to turn, and see the guy behind me starting to overtake. The only reason I wasn't hit was that I saw him coming and jammed on the brakes. Not one but two cars decide to pass me. A few weeks ago, I was driving through Morningside and gestured to another driver to let her our from a side street. She pulls out and flips me the finger. </p> <p>When faced with such wanton selfishness and downright dangerous driving, I still say that, until the 'car is king' culture is changed at a fundamental level, we need to bring about that change using every means at our disposal. Best way I can think of is cameras and prosecution. This would as you say increase the perceived risk of punishment. I would rather have car drivers dislike me knowing i am filming them and have my kids feel safe on the road any day over the current situation. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871&page=2#post-231026 Sat, 17 Sep 2016 10:40:04 +0000 I were right about that saddle 231026@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@nobrakes</p> <p>I'm not sure I want my fellow citizens to think of me as a pedal-powered spy drone as I'm cycling around. Relationships netween citizens using bikes and citizens using cars are surely tense enough as it is.</p> <p>I've read that the only thing that reduces the level of any given crime is the perceived risk of detection. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/17/penalty-points-fines-double-drivers-using-mobile-phones-200">Doubling prospective punishment</a> doesn't do anything, doubling the perceived risk of getting caught does a lot. </p> <p>Thing is catching people means either us assuming a police function or the state assuming police funtions. The state assuming any function seems to be out of fashion - I'd suggest we try to get it back in fashion. If we're going to killed by a fellow citizen the probability is that the instrument involved will be a motor vehicle. It's proper that the state should regulate and police how they are used. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-231025 Sat, 17 Sep 2016 10:25:30 +0000 nobrakes 231025@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What I want to see is the police taking video evidence seriously. I would happily invest in a decent camera and send in footage of the numerous drivers I see every day texting or calling whilst driving if I thought they would be prosecuted. </p> <p>I've just got my first speeding ticket in 20 years for going a little bit over the speed limit on a long straight on an empty country road. Likely to get points and a fine. Not going to quibble because I broke the law (just). Seems ridiculous that I will get that whilst people get nothing for texting while driving every day. I imagine a world of 'vigilante' public (cyclists mainly) sending footage to the police in the knowledge that it will be taken seriously. Until then, this problem is only going to get worse. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-231019 Sat, 17 Sep 2016 08:41:42 +0000 Stickman 231019@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Good article:</p> <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/sep/17/driving-mentality-killed-lee-martin-phone-wheel-safety-campaigns" rel="nofollow">https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/sep/17/driving-mentality-killed-lee-martin-phone-wheel-safety-campaigns</a></p> <p><em>The massive increase in physical power that getting behind the wheel confers seems similarly to boost egos. People feel impregnable in their cars, more in control, oblivious to the fact that these are machines that deliver injury and death every day. Sometimes people feel intensely that their car is a totally private space, a tiny peripatetic kingdom over which they rule.</p> <p>...</p> <p>That’s the odd thing about public awareness campaigns. They often preach to the converted. People who already accept that it’s dangerous to drive and use a phone will listen. People who are used to telling themselves this doesn’t and shouldn’t apply to them, will not.</p> <p>Maybe drivers need a self-awareness campaign, telling them that anyone who feels a sense of invulnerable autonomy the minute they click their car door shut is a dangerous, self-deluding fool and general menace to society. In the meantime, the bereaved relatives of the victims will have to carry on drawing attention to this state of affairs, time and time again.</em> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-231014 Sat, 17 Sep 2016 07:05:38 +0000 paddyirish 231014@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37389800">Seems the papers knew something was coming</a></p> <p>But still not enough... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-230999 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 19:10:33 +0000 wee folding bike 230999@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Saw a guy in Airdrie this afternoon who was using his phone, held at eye level, while stopped at the lights. He moved off with the phone still there.</p> <p>Allowing it when stationary would also complicate the law and allow escape for those who can afford the representation. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-230990 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 17:34:24 +0000 acsimpson 230990@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>"I'd argue mobile phone use while stationary is a "gateway drug" to worse offences"</em></p> <p>No doubt but then we don't penalise "petty" theft the same as house breaking for example. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-230975 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 16:12:11 +0000 jonty 230975@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd argue mobile phone use while stationary is a "gateway drug" to worse offences - I'm sure the driver last week who drifted into the cycle lane I was filtering down just as I approached would claim she "only uses her phone in traffic jams" and yet she could have quite easily knocked me off my bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-230971 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 15:48:39 +0000 cb 230971@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>"passengers self-censor and understand why the driver may have gone silent. Those on the other end of the phone may be still saying "Are you still there? Can you hear me?"</em></p> <p>On the other hand, I do see an alarming number of drivers who seem to feel the need to turn their head 90 degrees to face their passenger when conversing. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-230959 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 14:19:47 +0000 paddyirish 230959@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Another thought is when the offences happen. A Lot of DUI offences will be late at night with fewer potential victims around. Phone offences will be at any time.</p> <p>Again, even if there is a legal reasoning to the contrary, use of mobile phones while driving scares the bejaysus out of me and I'd be inclined to support a blanket ban. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-230956 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 13:55:59 +0000 acsimpson 230956@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I may be stepping out of line here but to my mind there are definite degrees of offence with both phone and alcohol usage. If you are using your phone while taking part in a stationary traffic jam or waiting for lights you are unlikely to kill anyone. At worst you may hold up the cars behind you but this isn't a safety concern.</p> <p>However as soon as you start to move, phone use definitely seems to trump (mild) inebriation. You may have your eyes off the road, only one hand available for the controls or be otherwise distracted while passing through a junction (IIRC the most dangerous place on the road). Even with a hands-free setup you can be distracted for a considerable amount of time if you are attempting to dial a number or look someone up in your phone.</p> <p>With drunk driving it's fair to assume that if you are drunk in stationary traffic then you have been and will be drunk in moving traffic. Is the same fair of mobile use?</p> <p>If you are penalising all phone use the same are you encouraging people to stop phone use all together or simply moving it to areas where it is harder to police (ie moving vehicles). Reading a text message at the lights in my mind doesn't worry an instant one year ban although would be considerably easier to spot and prosecute than updating facebook while cruising along a country road. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-230886 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 20:18:52 +0000 wee folding bike 230886@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Any research on touch screen dashboards? It looks like a bad idea because you can't feel where things are and have to look at them. </p> <p>Of course I've taken it a step further and have no working heating so that's a set of controls I can completely ignore and only the binnacle still has working lights so there is no point looking at the centre console at night. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16871#post-230869 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 14:38:01 +0000 Roibeard 230869@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>H-f phoning more distracting than passenger conversation imo because you can ask a passenger to temporarily stop talking, but with a call this would appear to be more difficult.</em></p> <p>Not just in your opinion, but seems to be <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/talking-while-driving-is-incredibly-dangerous-even-when-using-hands-free-new-study-finds-a7070486.html">backed up by research</a> - (adult) passengers self-censor and understand why the driver may have gone silent. Those on the other end of the phone may be still saying "Are you still there? Can you hear me?"</p> <p>Robert </p>