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Original poster

To think phone drivers should receive an immediate 3 month ban

112 replies

JacquesHarlow · 22/01/2025 10:52

That's it. That's the thread.

In seriousness, I am sick to the back teeth of seeing people where I live (Surrey, before everyone says "oh I don't see any phone drivers where I live, OP) using their mobile phone while driving.

It's endemic here, but I suspect it's the same anywhere in the UK.

I'll start from worst to most serious:

  • WhatsApp gap People in traffic slowing down to a crawl. They take their phone out and glance at it on their lap and start texting. Then the car takes off in front of them seconds before the light changes. Do they move forward? Do they heck. Now this isn't necessarily as dangerous as the next few examples, but it's bloody irritating when you're behind them, you can't move, and then the lights change. They're essentially saying "My time is more important than yours".
  • Slow urban texting People using phones during slow urban driving. I see it every day - they're on a 30 mph road, its a two lane carriageway in town. They glance down to type, then up to maintain their progress before the next set of lights. It's disgusting, but they get away with it because it's a big enough road and no one is crossing at that point.
  • Pulling out without looking People on our school run who literally are holding their phone to their ear or texting, AS THEY PULL OUT of the space. So they're not even looking or paying attention in case a child darts out (and before people say it, yeah I see children dart out all the time. It's wrong, it's not my fault, but their parents are.... guess what, on their phones while walking). These folk then get really angry if I or anyone else points it out, as if I'm deliberately victimising them.
  • Motorway driving This one really gets my goat because of the speed. I have driven in lane 1, gone to change lane safely after indicating, only to find the person in front has suddenly slowed down inexplicably. I slow down myself, I check my speed, move around safely to 3, then indicate back across 2 and into 1. While doing that, I glance over... OF COURSE SHE'S TEXTING. I've even seen someone holding their phone on a video call (Christ wept).

My point is, why do any of these people deserve the luxury of six points?

I think there should be a 3 month ban for these folk.

.I'd like to hear their usual self-centred 'hardship' stories in court "I have to drive around my 3 year old and work, how do I do this now, I can't afford cabs?!"

I cannot stand the self centredness, the myopic " I can multitask" bullshit that exists around driving in this country. We've all got way too comfortable in these massive things, wandering around with our phone addictions, knowing there's not enough police to stop this.

If you're a driver and you do this? Shame on you! Seriously. I can't stand it. If either of my DDs were injured or killed by someone using their phone, I would be apoplectic with the pointlessness of it.

AIBU? I can't wait to hear how much I am "too invested, OP" by the usual apologists for this kind of thing.

OP posts:
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BikeCyclist · 26/01/2025 15:51

8cafe · 22/01/2025 16:44

What the fuck is this batshittery?
Of course you shouldn't look at your phone if you're driving. But if you're stuck on the M8 for two hours or in a massive traffic queue, why shouldn't a person be able to glance at their phone without a massive ban and fine?

I would love to see certain MN mums arguing about their casual glance at their phone with a police officer, because it was all about the children.

You can do that, just don't take it out of the cradle.

BikeCyclist · 26/01/2025 15:47

I don't know why all drivers don't have dashcams. You get the satisfaction of reporting them yourself.

BikeCyclist · 26/01/2025 15:45

Film and report them. Surrey do prosecute (not as well as the Met though). They will realise how easy it is to get caught, and 6 points is half a licence, so they won't do it again for a few years. Also +50% on their insurance for 4 years will make them grateful that the fine was only £200.

GutsyShark · 24/01/2025 08:02

MikeRafone · 24/01/2025 07:43

6 points will push insurance premiums up will it not? It’s been a long time since I got a ticket so I’m not 100% on this but imagine it will.

Im sorry Im nt following you?

Im suggesting that if the punishment is harsher then the result will be more people driving without insurance

id prefer a shirt sharp 2 week ban ( as a first punishment) so people realise the value of their licence - posted up thread

I hadn’t realised you were quoting someone else.

The current penalty is £200 and ) points I think. I’d be surprised if 6 points doesn’t increase insurance premiums is what I was saying. So that’s already happening.

PointsSouth · 24/01/2025 07:57

BoredZelda · 22/01/2025 13:39

why not turn the phone off when driving ?

Because I'm playing music/podcast through it.

A momentary glance at the phone to turn off an alarm isn't any worse than sorting the heating out or turning to shout at your kids to shut up.

Reducing the number of people using a handheld for a phone/video call, or texting is important. But the numbers of accidents caused by this is low compared to the number caused by poor driving generally.

Everyone here who is fixating on phone use, what have you done in the last 5 years to sharpen your driving skills? Because if you've done nothing, you're far more likely to kill someone than the person in front of you in a queue checking their phone.

…can you cite the research that backs up
that statistical comparison?

I’m assuming that there was a control group of phone-checking people who’d also ‘brushed up their driving skills in the last five years’, as well as separate groups of each. And how many people were killed in the course of the research?

CrystalBall101 · 24/01/2025 07:50

www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c89vzl0lz55o

This is a close friend of mine. I hadn't seen her for 2 years, but she was so vibrant and full of life. She now has to talk to using an eye gaze machine. He got 26 months.

GreenYellowBrown · 24/01/2025 07:47

I agree, it’s so dangerous. We used Uber a lot in Florida last year and, bloody hell, some of the drivers on there were scary because they weren’t paying attention. We refused to tip some of them, particularly the guy who almost ran over a woman with a buggy because he was on a video call. I actually shouted ‘stop’ to him otherwise I’m not sure whether he would have done so 😮 😢 😡

MikeRafone · 24/01/2025 07:43

6 points will push insurance premiums up will it not? It’s been a long time since I got a ticket so I’m not 100% on this but imagine it will.

Im sorry Im nt following you?

Im suggesting that if the punishment is harsher then the result will be more people driving without insurance

id prefer a shirt sharp 2 week ban ( as a first punishment) so people realise the value of their licence - posted up thread

GutsyShark · 23/01/2025 10:50

MikeRafone · 23/01/2025 09:53

First offence caught using phone: 2 to 5 year ban.
Second offence aftee first expires: 10 year ban.
Second offence if first still active or 3rd or more offence: lifetime ban.
I also think it should push insurance premiums up dramatically.
There's no excuse.

whilst I agree with the sentiments

people will just drive without a licence if the sentences are so harsh

there are already a million people driving out of 33 mil without insurance

6 points will push insurance premiums up will it not? It’s been a long time since I got a ticket so I’m not 100% on this but imagine it will.

LostMyLanyard · 23/01/2025 10:42

I agree OP...I've recently ended a (fairly new) relationship due to him constantly using his mobile phone (in his hand...not hands free!) whilst driving. The first time I saw it I voiced my concern (he picked up his phone when it beeped, read the text, then proceeded to tap out a reply!!) His response was that he 'didn't often do it, but sometimes would if the roads weren't too busy and it was important!'

This text was his mate talking about football...not important AT ALL!

He was of course lying that first time...as he answered every call, every text, whilst driving. I ended the relationship and told him why. Such arrogance and disregard of mine and everyone else's safety could only mean one thing...he's an arse!

MikeRafone · 23/01/2025 09:53

First offence caught using phone: 2 to 5 year ban.
Second offence aftee first expires: 10 year ban.
Second offence if first still active or 3rd or more offence: lifetime ban.
I also think it should push insurance premiums up dramatically.
There's no excuse.

whilst I agree with the sentiments

people will just drive without a licence if the sentences are so harsh

there are already a million people driving out of 33 mil without insurance

SinnerBoy · 23/01/2025 08:58

LlynTegid · Yesterday 16:34

A longer ban, I would also have the phone company have to terminate the contract and not be allowed to provide one to the person for a period of time, and the phone number not be able to re-used.
Denying someone their phone number would be a great inconvenience to many people.

I've long thought that they should have their phones confiscated on the spot and their SIM destroyed. I don't care if they have their card on it, or if they have to call their ailing mum. They're no better than drunk drivers.

NormaleKartoffeln · 23/01/2025 08:46

Areyounotentertained · 22/01/2025 11:20

I disagree, but only in extreme circumstances. There’s a few times I have been driving and my alarm has gone off and I havnt been able to stop so I have had to grab my phone to press the button as I can’t drive with that noise disturbance. However I use Siri if I need to make a phone call or send a message etc and only if it’s urgent so that I don’t have to hold my phone.

that type of situation aside I agree. It’s a big case of “it will never happen to me” (an accident). I think points is more effective than a ban. Once a ban is over they are back on the road thinking “I won’t get caught”. At least with points they stay on their licence long term

Show quote history

You need to plan better or pull over and turn it off.
You never 'need' to grab your phone.
First offence caught using phone: 2 to 5 year ban.
Second offence aftee first expires: 10 year ban.
Second offence if first still active or 3rd or more offence: lifetime ban.
I also think it should push insurance premiums up dramatically.
There's no excuse.

MeanderingGently · 23/01/2025 08:40

I agree wholeheartedly. Phones switched to silent while driving. Mine's only there in case there's a breakdown that requires me to call for help from the side of the road.

Used while driving should be a three month ban at the very least, the penalties should be severe enough to make people think twice.

The other day I stopped at traffic lights and could see in my mirror the driver behind immediately picked up their phone and started texting, no longer looking at the road or concentrating when the traffic moved off again. The thing was she was an older, white-haired lady who should be old enough to know better, and who would have (presumably) been driving for years before mobile phones ever became a thing, but still can't abide by the law.... Sad.

RedVanYellowVan · 23/01/2025 08:39

Car and phone crushed.
Lifetime driving ban.
Mugshot in local media.

Harsh? Yes, but if you knew someone killed by a driver on a phone you would feel the same.

comedycentral · 23/01/2025 08:31

I agree, it needs to be a massive inconvenience if you get caught. People seem almost immune to fines and points.
It makes me sick to think of the risks some people take whilst driving.

SerendipityJane · 23/01/2025 08:28

Tryingtokeepgoing · 22/01/2025 22:14

I would change the law so that unless a ‘phone mount was permanently fixed (ironically, as they were for car phones back in the 80s/90s, before it became illegal to use a hand held mobile in the car) with a mechanical attachment keeping the phone in it then it wouldn’t count as mounted. Precisely because of the risk it doesn’t stay attached and the subsequent temptation to grab it if all that’s holding it on is a suction cup or air vent mounted ‘wedge’ or whatever other detachable mount is used.

Show quote history

I guess it's a rarity, but a colleague once hobbled into work having his phone fall from the suction mount and bounce onto his "bits". Luckily we could laugh he didn't lose control. I can only imagine ....

Tryingtokeepgoing · 22/01/2025 22:14

SaveMeFromMyBoobs · 22/01/2025 20:01

It's hard to legally describe and mitigation is there.

People use phones for navigation purposes (hands free and mounted) but if mounting falls off people may need to grab it. Particularly in winter months when the warming of the car inside tends to make the suction iffy. I've had it fall off and the cables get tangled around the gearstick. I do need to sort that out before I need to change gear or its dangerous.

I would change the law so that unless a ‘phone mount was permanently fixed (ironically, as they were for car phones back in the 80s/90s, before it became illegal to use a hand held mobile in the car) with a mechanical attachment keeping the phone in it then it wouldn’t count as mounted. Precisely because of the risk it doesn’t stay attached and the subsequent temptation to grab it if all that’s holding it on is a suction cup or air vent mounted ‘wedge’ or whatever other detachable mount is used.

mummabubs · 22/01/2025 22:09

Just to add I'll never forget 8 years ago it took me two hours to get to work one day as the motorway was standstill, police diverting people off etc. Turned out a man texting on his phone while driving had collided with a family in another car and killed them all- child in the back, father and the mother who was eight months pregnant. He survived with relatively minor injuries.

Tryingtokeepgoing · 22/01/2025 22:07

Bushmillsbabe · 22/01/2025 12:12

That actually isn't the best idea, best to just put to silent.
Modern cars (post 2018) automatically alert emergency services via your phone signal if you are involved in a crash where the airbags go off, and they use this signal to find out your location so can send help.
I never knew about this until I went on a 'naughty drivers course' for doing 23mph in a 20 zone, and the instructor told us.

I do agree about phone users, most things can be done hands free now anyway, so don't see why anyone wouod need to use their phone when driving

Edited
Show quote history

I think the cars that automatically contact the emergency services in the event of a serious accident have their own SIM card in, which they use to connect, and don’t rely on your phone. Otherwise if you didn’t have your phone with you, it it was flat, or you were already on it (hands free of course) it wouldn’t work.

As almost all cars sold in the last 15 years have some form of Bluetooth there is really no excuse for using a hand held phone on the move. More modern cars will have apple CarPlay or android auto, which will let you listed to and respond by voice to texts / WhatsApp. So I can’t see why anyone needs to hold a phone t all. So I agree the penalties should be much higher, and I think the use of short bans would help.

At the moment, going over 100mph is quite likely to lead to a ban if caught, so not many people do it. The same should apply to phone use, middle lane hogging on the motorway, inappropriate use of rear fog lights, failing to merge in turn, failing to give cyclists enough space, vaping in the car, throwing rubbish out of the window, parking on double yellow lines and misuse of disabled parking bays!

mummabubs · 22/01/2025 22:07

I'm 100% with you OP. Such a selfish and completely unnecessary behaviour. My ex used to use his phone at the wheel all the time and scream at me if I challenged this. I hated it, there literally can't be a call or text that's worth risking other people's safety over.

GutsyShark · 22/01/2025 21:49

MikeRafone · 22/01/2025 21:32

now what to do about the texting cyclists?

Ooh look over there at them, they killed 3 people last year

dobt be looking at drivers killing 1700

Yeah fuck those 3 people. And their families. Total acceptable losses. 🤔

MikeRafone · 22/01/2025 21:32

now what to do about the texting cyclists?

Ooh look over there at them, they killed 3 people last year

dobt be looking at drivers killing 1700

GutsyShark · 22/01/2025 20:31

8cafe · 22/01/2025 20:26

So you would never check your phone in the car?

Show quote history

It goes onto driving mode so notifications are switched off. To be honest I didn’t set it up like this on purpose it came with the phone, I didn’t realise till I got home one day and had a missed call and wondered why it didn’t ring. But it’s very rare than anything urgent will happen in my drive home so I just left it like that. The car can also read text messages and WhatsApp messages to me but why bother? People wouldn’t text me something urgent they would phone.

I think you can set up a list of people that are allowed through on driving mode - don’t know. Quite enjoy a wee peaceful drive home without it beeping to be honest!

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