Drivers face jail for using mobiles

[faceless]

Drivers face jail for using mobile
By SIMON HUGHES
and MICHAEL LEA
September 07, 2007

DRIVERS will face jail for using a mobile phone at the wheel, it was revealed yesterday and killer motorists will be charged with manslaughter and given life sentences — in a huge victory for your campaigning Sun.

Currently, people using mobiles as they drive face prosecution for careless driving, which carries a fine and a three-point penalty. But Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald wants offenders to be charged with the graver offence of dangerous driving. That has a maximum punishment of TWO YEARS behind bars. Motorists who chat over hands-free equipment will not run into trouble — if their driving is unaffected.

Sir Ken said yesterday: “We accept that in cases where there is clear evidence that danger has been caused by their use — such as texting while driving — then our policy should spell out that the starting point for charging will be dangerous driving.” The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said last night: “We welcome the tougher stance.”

The crackdown on people whose driving causes death follows a three-year Sun crusade to Nail The Danger Drivers. Under the new proposals, the worst offenders would be prosecuted for manslaughter. If they were cleared of that, other charges could be brought. The Sun launched its campaign for tougher penalties after a series of lenient sentences. More than 70,000 readers signed our petition.

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This is great news - I'm sick of having to adjust my cycling for the sake of some idiot who's in a world of their own, putting my life at risk because they can't be arsed stopping the car first. It happened on Wednesday in the city - this idiot was driving along, swerving between lanes because he was such an idiot... I shouted 'Ya BAWBAG!' in his window as I finally got past him, and he blared his horn. I'm thinking of getting one of those helmet-cams and going vigilante!

[Brown Sauce]

I'm all for this. I drive for a living, my boss rings me up from time to time. He knows that I won't answer, I find a place to park and ring back. No problem. I find the eejits a real pain too. You'll notice 'em on the motorway, they're the slow swerving ones without a caravan

Yesterday I got a new navigator, funky thing that lets me know about all sorts of traffic problems without having to listen to all sorts of crap on the radio, thing is you've got to press a button, and then read some text. The keyboard is nice and big too, so I can tap in the new destination whilst driving. Couldn't do that with the old one, the font was too small. It is more dangerous than the phone.

[Skylace]

Now, where I lived in NM, it didn't bother me about people talking on their phones. You literally have straight roads, not even a bend in the road for miles and miles. However, now that I am here in Pitt, I couldn't even imagine using the phone while driving! It's far to dangerous. If mine rings now in the car I wait until I'm stopped or pulled over. It's nuts to do otherwise.

[Lostinthestates]

Since moving to the States I have been appalled by people's driving. Driving is pretty bad in general but when you get stuck behind somebody driving really badly you can always predict that person is on their phone. I think I have a 100% success rate in my predictions. I am 100% for this new sentencing - I only wish they would introduce it here too!!!

[Axlsbabe]

totally agree with this

[pirtybirdy]

I have my wireless earpiece in while driving. I don't have a problem talking and driving at the same time. Those without earpieces who use one hand to hold the phone and one to drive seem to have a problem keeping up in speed and staying in their lanes. I tell ya, I drive best with a cheeseburger in my left hand, and a sprite in my right while steering with knee.....

[SpursFan1902]

I pretty much echo everyone else. I hate when people drive and fondle the cell phone. Now, can we get a law against the tarts putting on their slap while driving down the highway???

[Skylace]

What's amazing now though is a lot of people aren't talking on their cell phones while driving, the ARE TEXTING!

[SpursFan1902]

[11antoniacourt]

[faceless]

I actually checked out the prices earlier - £70 and I can have a 640x480 camera with 2gb (enough for about an hour) fitted to my handlebars... I could make a killing when this law comes in, by blackmailing the buggers!

'Here's the deal pal, I've got you on video doing something that could get you banned or jailed - £50 and I'll keep quiet'

'Aye right, I'm connected to gangsters and I'm gonnae shoot you!'

'Fine, try and catch me in the traffic you fucker!'

haha

[major.tom]

50 pounds? Aren't there any "Crime Stopper" -type programs in Scotland? Here in Canada, you can make up to $2000 for turning in criminals if it leads to an arrest.

http://www.canadiancrimestoppers.org/

Here you go -- up to 1000 pounds:

http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/giving/receivingrewardsanonymously/

[faceless]

I don't want to send people to jail, especially not if a simple 'Pwnage' would suffice... haha