CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Computers, GPS, 'Smart' 'Phones
"California court ruling frees drivers to use map apps on cellphones"
(5 posts)-
Posted 10 years ago #
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"In January of 2012, Steven Spriggs was issued a ticket by a California Highway Patrol officer for using his iPhone 4 ..., arguing his use of a mapping app to find an alternate route did not break state laws barring talking on a cellphone while driving."
"Spriggs said he wants existing laws to be rewritten in a way that is less vague and allows police officers to do their job more effectively."
I can't be the only one who sees a contradiction there, because the only law to simplify the officers' job and increase safety would be to ban all cellphone use whilst driving (including being stationary in traffic). So he would still have been fined!
Posted 10 years ago # -
First comment: "To check maps in the traffic jam is fine, I think. I am doing it sometimes while waiting for trafic light
....
Those who use the cell phone while driving put ME in the much higher danger.
!!"Contradiction again - you could be distracted looking at your app whilst the lights turn green and the vehicle behind you accelerates into the back of you. Regardless of who's legally to blame, you've just made things more dangerous for yourself.
And my first thought on reading th artcilce is echoed my another comment: "So if you think you're going to get pulled over for using your cell phone while driving, just quickly launch the Maps app and say you were trying to navigate somewhere."
It's actually quite surprising to me that even mounted GPSS systems don't have a minimum size of screen to be legal to use whilst driving. It stands to reason (if the amount of detail displayed is the same) that a smaller screen will be harder to use since the info is smaller, and the device itself will probably take a moment longer to locate with your eye (probably second nature once you're used to it admittedly).
Of course, the risk of setting a minimum size could have a detrimental effect on cycle GPS sizes if applied across the board, which would be regrettable.
Posted 10 years ago # -
If I need to go somewhere and need directions I use Freenav on my mobile phone. Why buy a gps when you have a phone which carriers out the same function?
Posted 10 years ago # -
I still prefer my Garmin over my phone
Posted 10 years ago #
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