Hands-free mobile phones are worse than drink-driving

[faceless]

This doesn't surprise me at all. Fact is though, it's hardly ever these selfish bastards who are affected by the accidents - it's the people on the side of the road or waiting in a queue of traffic who are killed.

[SpursFan1902]

I can't say that I never use my phone in the car, but it is rare. Most of the time, my phone isn't even on...I hate my cell phone and the only reason I got it initially was because I had an old car and I drove a long way to work. I really could get rid of it now....

[Skylace]

A senator in Texas wants to make it illegal to listen to music in the car or even talk to people in the car who are with you. Saying those are distractions as well. Police agree with him but say it will be impossible to enforce. I think the biggest danger now isn't the talking on the phones, it's the texting. Loads of people are doing that now and it's mental.

[SpursFan1902]

I can't believe I am saying this, but bring back the days when the worst was someone putting on lippy and trying to light their cig!

[faceless]

Robbie Fowler Banned Over Phone At Wheel
March 20, 2009

Former England footballer Robbie Fowler has been banned from driving for six months and ordered to pay £265 in fines and costs after using his mobile phone while driving. The 33-year-old admitted he broke the law while behind the wheel of his BMW X5 last year, despite denying it at the time.

Fowler, of Caldy Road, Caldy, Wirral, was caught using the phone as he drove along Netherton Way, Bootle, on November 14. The offence took the striker to 12 points on his licence and led to a six-month driving ban being imposed. He was also given a £150 fine and ordered to pay £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Fowler was not at South Sefton Magistrates' court but his solicitor Richard Green paid the total of £265 for him. "His position all along is that he was not speaking into the hand-held phone at the time," Mr Green said. "He accepts he had it in his hand but wasn't using the device to speak into. He had a hands-free kit in the car but I have explained the law to him and he changed his plea."

Fowler had previously racked up points by speeding in 2006 and "contravention" of pedestrian crossing laws in 2006 and 2008. He admitted his guilt through Mr Green because he has moved to Australia after signing for North Queensland Fury. The solicitor said Fowler was technically unemployed at the moment because his new contract did not begin until April 1.

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So, he's banned from driving in the UK for 6 months, even though he's living in Australia. Brilliant!