is there a number which i can ring to report people using their phones in cars ?

Question

i was following this van today in town. He threw two empty crisp packets out the window whilst driving and then got onto his phone, happily driving past a sign reminding of the dangers of using a mobile whilst at the wheel. He also then dived across two lanes ( still on the phone ) to go off elsewhere. I don't usually complain, but this sort of person is exactly the reason why people get run over. He clearly has no social conscience. I just want to know if i could have taken his plate and then reported it later to someone who could actually do something. ( there was no 'how am i driving?' sign on his van unfortunately )

this is in england, so the american answers don't apply i'm afraid.
though i am surprised by the hostility of some people. It has been proven that mobile phone use whilst driving is worse than driving under the influence of alcohol. We should be trying to move the stigma away from the 'snitch' and more towards the people who happily risk the lives of others to answer a call which can wait.

Answer 1

can't believe there are so many idiots out there who find it acceptable to drive on public roads whilst hindering themselves. Using a phone at the wheel is just as dangerous as drinking a bottle of beer at the wheel, which has been proven scientifically, hence the passing of the law in england. I'd bet a lot more people would object if they were on the school run and someone passed them swigging from a can of Heineken. Would you be a 'snitch' if you reported this ? Would you get answers attacking you personally and be told to get a life ? Until these ignorant people change their attitudes, they'll happily go on defending people like the van driver, until he runs over someone they care about because he couldn't wait till he finished his journey to take a call on what he wants for lunch.

Answer 2

Whether there is a number in your state depends upon your location. In certain states, driving while speaking on a handheld device is not only against the law, but it is a dangerous practice on a busy thoroughfare. If there are rest stops on the roadway you are using, there is a "help" phone where you can call in for problems such as this. If you are on a toll road, go to a booth that is manned and ask that toll collector for the number of the highway patrol. It is usually a three digit code like 511 or in Florida it's 477. Call your local police department or your state highway patrol. They would be able to advise you of the ruling in your locale and give you information of what to do when you observe people who are threats to public safety. If you don't want to involve the authorities, call your local reference librarian. They can answer your query. Of course, if you are planning to report a person, be sure you are not reporting them while driving and using your own cell phone.

Answer 3

Ignore the answers from the people with the low mentalities. These are just the type of people who do this sort of thing - and kill other people`s kids. If you see someone doing this sort of thing, take their registration number and report them to the police asap - i always do. If the police can`t pull them in on that particular charge, they will get them at some point - be assured. Once they are known to the cops - their game is up. You are a good citizen - and some people are fools. Trouble is - we all have to pay the price for fools. x

Answer 4

SAFETY AND SECURITY:The phone number for police/fire/ambulance emergency services - the equivalent of "911" in the U.S and "101" in India - is “999” in the United Kingdom.

So:
(a) Call "999" from your mobile and report the episode.
(b) You can also use your mobile phone camera to take a snap of such persons when they are talking on phone while driving, in such a way that their car licence plate also comes in the picture (if possible) and release it to police/press for further action. Police can later track the mobile movement of this person for proof.
(c) Make a movie, if you can and release it to the police/press. I don't know about England but in India press will be too happy to publish such pictures, now-a-days.
(c) Remain anonymous.

I am sure if concerned citizens like you take such actions, the traffic crimes will be much lesser.

Answer 5

I wonder what those people who have replied would say if that driver ran over one of their loved ones?????? It is illegal to talk on a Mobile Phone whilst at the wheel of a vehicle. Your suppose to have 100% concentration whilst driving. The driver will get punished, one way or another.

Answer 6

Why would you follow someone that you feel is a dangerous driver in the first place? Maybe you should be reported for being an intruding idiot. Most people drive to get to a destination, unless you are a police officer, you don't follow people spending your time watching what they are doing in their vehicles.

Answer 7

Not sure of the number but I agree with the other sensible people.
If that was my child that got hit i'd be devestated,
The police in the UK are now really hot on catching these idiots,
He's only got to be caught a few times and he'll lose his licence,
Chances are as well if he's this ignorant to driving safetly, then he probably already has points on his licence

Answer 8

i do not comprehend if there is something you may want to do except dangle up once you listen that is them. i'm getting the same element contained in the mail always about determining to purchase an prolonged assure. I personal a 2 12 months previous vehicle it really is less than assure through Hyundai

Answer 9

Agree with Rachel G on this.These answers of people defending it are totally out of order.Would they still defend the driver if he had caused an accident,and totalled their family?No they would be baying for the drivers blood then.For the sake of one phone call,a family could be destroyed.Is that call so urgent that it cant wait till you can park up?

Answer 10

101