Bus driver using phone whilst driving

[jon0844]

Being picky it is possible with some phones to text without even touching the phone, mine does handsfree voice texting, doesn't necessarily text what I want it to though.

Clearly that's totally different. It doesn't mean taking your eyes off the road, either to read a text, IM or email or to reply.

My car kit reads text messages but I can't reply. However my phone would so it via Google voice, but I will just wait or pull over and stop somewhere as replying is never so vital I need to do it there and then.

 

[455driver]

Being picky it is possible with some phones to text without even touching the phone, mine does handsfree voice texting, doesn't necessarily text what I want it to though.

My phone has speak text but I have never used it so couldnt say if it works.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Just a quick "do you think you should be using your phone while driving" as you were getting off (and so away from any conflict unless you think he will chase you down the street) should do it but no you take the cowards route every time dont you! :roll:

I found my perspective changed since I saw a young man made a paraplegic because his friend driving was too busy texting and not concentrating.

 

[chorleyjeff]

I'd dispute this, as I was following one earlier today on a dual carriageway, and my car speedo was reading 75 mph. Do you think I should report him? :roll: Joking btw, I cant be bothered to waste my time.

I suspect the coach speed limiter was more accurate than your car speedoo

 

[Polarbear]

This morning, I used a bus from Liverpool to Bootle. The driver had a radio blasting out, a beverage of some description wedged against the ticket machine & upon boarding, the not very faint whiff of freshly burnt tobacco assailed my nostrils.

Unfortunately, the situation described by the OP is not exactly isolated in the bus world.

Have I reported this incident - no. To be fair, the bus was driven well & I arrived at my destination safely.

 

[Deerfold]

Just a quick "do you think you should be using your phone while driving" as you were getting off (and so away from any conflict unless you think he will chase you down the street) should do it but no you take the cowards route every time dont you! :roll:

And the odds on that having any effect on the driver's behaviour given he will already know he is breaking both the law and his company's policy?

I suppose you also conplain about guards letting fare dodgers off but wouldnt for one second consider helping the guard out if the dodger got violent would you, you would just sit there moaning about the delay!

Why would you think the OP would be unwilling to help in a completely different situation?

 

[jon0844]

Saying something to the driver might nip the problem in the bud, but how could you know without stalking the driver. And when something is inherently dangerous, is it okay to let it go even the once?

Even the example of a call with bad news doesn't excuse continuing to drive. Stop immediately (okay, not an emergency stop) and carry on talking then. If a bus driver, I'm sure passengers would be sympathetic given the circumstances and if not, that's their problem. At least you're not putting them in serious danger.

 

[jon0844]

Is texting on a phone in a holder legal? Certainly you can dial but that's somewhat different.

But, yes, despite every phone coming with a headset of some sort, plenty of people drive while holding a phone. Many people happily doing it while driving a commercial vehicle that advertises and therefore represents that company.

If you can't use the headset, get a Bluetooth headset or car kit. Many new cars have Bluetooth fitted as standard, but people still don't bother to pair their mobile!

 

[34D]

Is texting on a phone in a holder legal? Certainly you can dial but that's somewhat different.

My understanding is that it isn't expressly forbidden. One could still be charged with a "driving without due care and attention" offence though.

But, yes, despite every phone coming with a headset of some sort, plenty of people drive while holding a phone. Many people happily doing it while driving a commercial vehicle that advertises and therefore represents that company.

If you can't use the headset, get a Bluetooth headset or car kit. Many new cars have Bluetooth fitted as standard, but people still don't bother to pair their mobile!

Agree 100% with this.

 

[jb]

This is an astonishing thread, even for this forum.

The various blind defences of the driver being offered would be laughable if the situation wasn't so serious, and the notion that a "quiet word" rather than going public and/or reporting the driver is barely less ridiculous.

 

[34D]

This is an astonishing thread, even for this forum.

The various blind defences of the driver being offered would be laughable if the situation wasn't so serious, and the notion that a "quiet word" rather than going public and/or reporting the driver is barely less ridiculous.

I think people have different perceptions of the 'severity' of the alleged offence. That is why there is such a spread of opinion.