If using a mobile phone while driving is as bad as drinking and driving, why aren't the penalties the same?

Question

When the new law came in we were presented on the BBC with "evidence" that the loss of concentration while using a phone is as bad an effect as drinking alcohol.

IF this is true, surely the penalties should be the same - i.e. automatic disqualification for one year.

If it is NOT true, surely they should shut up.

My view? Having had many near misses with people on phones, I actually think it is WORSE than the effects of small amounts of alcohol - they should have their phones seized, be banned from driving for 12 months and have to take a re-test. THEN these selfish people would stop.

Answer 1

any activity which can distract you from driving is a nuisance. it could be driving while drinking, as well as talking on a phone.
one doing so could be fined with a charge sheet.

Answer 2

While I agree, that people are abusive when using the mobile, I don't think it should be outlawed when driving. I believe that the mobile could be very useful in case of emergencies while driving. I just think people should go through some sort of training process with the little gadget just like driver's training or something. This would help people to be more responsible. I think you have the right idea of penalties for people who are abusive with the phone while driving.

I Cr 13;8a

Answer 3

alcohol slows reaction times... even a small amount, which would allow you to 'pass' a breathalyzer test.

the effect is constant - 100% of the time you are driving while drunk, you are affected

with a mobile phone, you could be alert and concentrating for 99% of your driving time, but unfocussed for a very short time while taking a call.

I understand that there are some stupid idiots who text while driving. That is moronic and needs to be stamped out....... however - as far a phone calls are concerned - I believe that there is a lot of rubbish talked about using mobiles while driving.
--- just FYI... I fully comply with the mobile phone laws while driving----

Answer 4

I Totally Agree --- This Practise is very Dangerous ---- I Think it should carry an automatic driving ban of at least Six Months for a First Offence and Much Longer for additional offence(s) --- But only the "Very Wise" Make the Laws ---so we have to keep Playing "Dodgems" for the foreseeable future .......

Answer 5

I would not go for handing out pentalties for mobile phones as I would for drinking and driving. It's just not the same kind of thing.
In Hawaii, the traffic's maddening, and people need their phones to just save time. Personally, I make my calls as short as possible.

Answer 6

Your question isn't specific sufficient so i could say employing the telephone is the extra risky as there is not any longer something incorrect with employing after ingesting 3 pints of water or lemonade!

Answer 7

Because no ones formed Mothers against cellphone using drivers yet, just be patient....