Why is it so difficult to ignore a ringing phone?

[Loosehead]

More severe penalties for using phones in the car:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6382077.st m

but I have noticed that in any situation the ringing phone is like an itch that must be scratched. Why do you think a ringing phone will override all aspects of safety and courtesy? (I'm talking about when you are talking to someone and the phone rings they immediately break off the converstaion and answer it, very rude!

[vehelpfulguy]

Severe penalties !!!!!

I hardly call a �60 fine a 3 points on your license severe.

If I had my way it would be a one year ban for anyone using a hand held mobile phone while driving.

There are radio adverts on at the moment saying you are FOUR times more likely to have an accident while using your mobile phone.

If that figure is true then a �60 fine and 3 points is NOT enough of a punishment.

[Kathyan]

Although I have my phone switched on at all times, if it rings whilst I am driving, it is ignored. If the call is important, they will ring back. Twice in the past few weeks I have nearly been hit by a car whose driver has been on the phone! In my opinion, if a driver is caught whilst on the phone (some hope!) their car should be confiscated and crushed.

[yesmadam]

What's wrong with having a phone holder and mic in the car? or ear pieces? we've got both. No need to hold the phone at all these days. Business calls need to be taken.

[kwicky]

It could be my wife and she hates to be ignored.

[Kathyan]

Even though you are not holding the phone, you are not fully concentrating on driving. Most men I know can only do one thing at a time!

[craigiep]

Ever seen the movie Once Upon A Time In America?

[namie]

i agree, much simpler to just txt msg on the fone nowdays

[flip-flop]

Personally I think it is a bit harsh - I'd never answer my phone in town traffic but I do if I am on dual carriageways/motorways/major A roads and the traffic is reasonably light.

This is no more dangerous than changing a radio station. People who can't safely use a phone in these conditions are clearly a danger and shouldn't be driving in the first place.

Noisy kids in the back of a car is more of a crash hazard than answering the phone.

[gina32]

a mobile phone in a car is not essential, how did people cope without them, but yes children are so thats rubbish flip flop, mobiles in cars should carry a much heavier penalty and be an incentive to not use them.

[anotheoldgit]

No need to use a phone in a car, we managed a decade ago when not many people had one. Surely it would not be rocket science to incorporate something into them to make them inoperable in the confines of a car?

Kathyan 'Most men I know can only do one thing at a time'

Unlike you women eh ! Kathyan? Check the make-up in the rear view mirror, apply a bit of lippy, run the fingers through the hair, change the CD, turn to have a natter with your female passenger, all with the mobile held between the head and shoulder. Multi tasking indeed, how do you do it?

[flip-flop]

Its far from rubbish gina, it is a fact where I am concerned. My attention is far more distracted when my three year old is screaming in the back than being on the phone would ever be.

[Kathyan]

When I'm driving, that's all I do, drive! I don't wear make up, I'm usually alone and my phone stays in my handbag until I get out of the car. I also drive an automatic, so both hands on the wheel too!! Why was I made so perfect huh?

[LeMarchand]

From the Virgin site:

Researchers also noted that drivers of 4x4s were most likely to take a call, followed by white van drivers and prestige-motor owners.

Why does that not surprise me?

I do very occasionally take/make handsfree calls - and keep them to a few seconds long (eg "Traffic really bad, will be home late"). What really bugs me is that people can afford to buy/run expensive cars, but not the few quid a Bluetooth earpiece will set you back.

[WendyS]

When I was working I was forced to be a telephone slave and answer it promptly. Now I'm no longer working, I've reasserted control over my life and only answer the home telephone when it's convenient for me as the answerphone is perfectly capable of taking a message. We also have a house rule that we don't answer the telephone during meal times. I do have a hands-free kit in the car for my mobile telephone but would only use it if the driving situation were safe at the time for an emergency type call or quick message. . And I do so hate people who have the rudeness to use their mobiles while they're having a meal with us or who put it down on the restaurant table, switched on.

[rosepetal]

Two school girls were killed a year ago on an A road near us. A lorry driver had been using his phone just before he hit their car and he has been jailed for 4 1/2 years.

I don't think it's harsh at all.

[Avatar]

"business calls need to be taken" - yesmadam

You must be F***ing joking!

If the business is going to fold becasue some twonk cant wait for someone in a car to arrive somewhere then get the business to pay out for hands free kits.
There is no excuse at all for talking into a phone in your hand whilst driving. End of story.