Stand to loose job for using mobile phone in car

Conor_3

Seconded, Tomthumb. I'm a HGV driver and have done over 1.8 million miles in the past 15 years without getting a single point or parking ticket despite driving all over the UK - certainly not in familiar areas where I know where every speed trap is. In fact, since I passed my driving test 20 years ago, I've only ever had 3 points (56 in a 40 in 1989) and no parking tickets.

Tomthumb

I disagree with people saying that the reactions on here are not in the spirit of MSE. I think that people have replied justly and I know that the family will get all the support and advice they need if he does lose his job as MSE is brilliant! :T

anewman

I'm on the start of the road to sucess. No parking tickets, no speeding fines etc. Although not yet reached the 1 year mark.

If talking on the phone whilst driving is that critical you can get a bluetooth handsfree with a combined dash-mount/charger, or even a system that's wired into the car. There are a number of dedicated bluetooth handsfree systems, and also some car stereos have these features built in, or have add-ons available.

I personally strongly believe repeat offenders should not be offered any favourable discretion and should face the consequences, and if it means losing their job, they should lose their job. If they didn't learn the first time, or second time, why should we give them a third, fourth and fifth chance!? They knew the consequences when speeding, talking on the phone, and so on, so why should they feel the need to not be punished when they're unlucky enough to be caught in the act?! Having a driving license is a privelige, not a right. You have to abide by the law in order to keep it - or lose it. When millions of people can stay within the law for many years, why should we have to put up with speeders, people talking on mobiles and so on - just because they have a job?!

Debt_Free_Chick

anewman wrote: »

If talking on the phone whilst driving is that critical you can get a bluetooth handsfree with a combined dash-mount/charger, or even a system that's wired into the car. There are a number of dedicated bluetooth handsfree systems, and also some car stereos have these features built in, or have add-ons available.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

The OP WAS using bluetooth handsfree, when the battery ran out, so he picked up the handset.

But you are not completely off the hook for using hands-free. If the Police stop you for driving erratically and you were using a hands-free at the time, they can STILL issue with a fixed-penalty notice on the basis that you were not paying due care and attention. The fact remains that, even with a hands-free, under what circumstances is it VITAL that you take THAT call at THAT time whilst driving?

I personally strongly believe repeat offenders should not be offered any favourable discretion and should face the consequences, and if it means losing their job, they should lose their job. If they didn't learn the first time, or second time, why should we give them a third, fourth and fifth chance!? They knew the consequences when speeding, talking on the phone, and so on, so why should they feel the need to not be punished when they're unlucky enough to be caught in the act?! Having a driving license is a privelige, not a right. You have to abide by the law in order to keep it - or lose it. When millions of people can stay within the law for many years, why should we have to put up with speeders, people talking on mobiles and so on - just because they have a job?!

Can't argue with that although the disqualification threshold under the points totting-up rule is lower for new drivers. But my understanding is that this new law was based on research showing that a frightening number of new drivers were responsible for accidents or committed driving offences during the first two years of driving with a full license. And, more alarmingly, the "offence" rate was particularly high amongst young men in the 18-25 age group.

The system is supposed to be a deterrent to encourage responsible driving.

iolanthe07

I would like to know how many points every body on this thread has.

None at all - never have had, or a parking ticket either, and been driving for 44 years.:A

anewman

Debt_Free_Chick wrote: »

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

The OP WAS using bluetooth handsfree, when the battery ran out, so he picked up the handset.

My suggestions would prevent the battery running out problem

Wig

Debt_Free_Chick wrote: »

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

The OP WAS using bluetooth handsfree, when the battery ran out, so he picked up the handset.

But you are not completely off the hook for using hands-free. If the Police stop you for driving erratically and you were using a hands-free at the time, they can STILL issue with a fixed-penalty notice on the basis that you were not paying due care and attention. The fact remains that, even with a hands-free, under what circumstances is it VITAL that you take THAT call at THAT time whilst driving?

They can issue a without due care and attention notice if they see you driving erratically, the fact you were or were not on the phone is not really relevant, (unless it is hand held, then it would get you an additional charge), either you were or were not driving erratically.

It doesn't have to be VITAL to take a call to use a hands free set. The law allows a hands free set to be used, end of.

Wig

I'd like to know how many points have you all got?

None. I had 3 around 1988 for parking on Zig Zags, never did that again.

I've had more than my fair share of Speeding NIPs sent to me, but never had to pay out or receive points on any one of them. I'm older and wiser now, and generally don't speed, except in 20, 30 & 40 zones where I decide that it is safe to do so, and that I won't be caught.
(To anyone inclined, don't even bother to post your outrage to my honesty, I don't care what you think).


I'd like to know, OP, if you will be returning to post the outcome of all of this?

HelpWhereIcan

Have to say that I am with the "on my moral high horse brigade" on this one. A white van man on his mobile ran a set of red traffic lights before braking hard when he realised. My wife (on a green light) had to brake even harder to stop herself going into the side of him. He then had the cheek to rant and guesticulate at her for beeping at him!!!

I think the use of a mobile should be punished in the same way as a drink driver. I need one for work, but always have the hands free activated, only dial out using voice recognition and only answer a call with the steering wheel based button.. but then again, I am perfect. Other than my 6 points over 15 years for speeding (SP30s all long gone now).

However, I did appear in a traffic court when I first started driving. I had passed my test 14 months beforehand, but had not sent my provisional and pass certificate off to be converted into a full licence within the required 12 months (young and lazy!).

Got pulled over, got a producer and the police would not accept it, arguing I was driving without a valid licence and therefore without insurance. They took me to court for driving without a licence and without insurance. If I lost my licence I lost my job so bricks fell very freely!

On the day I used the duty solicitor to get some advice and he decided to come in with me and argue that the DVLA would still change it to a full licence. CPS guy argued that my insurance would still be invalid and that I should receive a ban for that (he was a really fat, pompous t**t).

Duty solicitor told magistrate that my job would be lost if banned.

The magistrate told me to go away and get confirmation from my insurer that I would have been covered and come back in a week. Company car meant that I had to advise my employer and being in financial services, they were not happy.

Any how, letter from insurance company duly produced. Magistrate said to CPS guy "are you still looking for a ban?". CPS dropped case. Me extremely relieved.

Basically, tell the truth. Do not try to BS (they have heard it all before) - my response to why have you not sent it off yet was - sorry, I have no excuse and wish I could change it.

I would also advise that he bring it up with his employer now as they may look upon the whole thing more favourably if he is upfront.

They may give him a desk based job and some time to retake his test if they feel he is honest and not leaving them to find out when it is a done deal. They may also be willing to vouch for him (or his potential job loss). They may also say that they are willing to put him on an advanced driving course - he could offer to go on one at his own expense.

He must not forget that when driving on business, the company are responsible for him if he crashes into anyone and directors can be prosecuted if he hurts/kills anyone.

Show his employer and court that it was a one off and lesson learned and he may get a break. Try and BS anyone and he will deserve whatever he gets.

Alikay

Points on my licence - 0, and have never had any in 26 years of driving, same with DH

It took me 7 test attempts and over 2 years of lessons to pass so I've made damn sure I keep my licence. If my phone goes, I don't answer it: I pull into a side street, services or whatever and hit "missed calls" then return the call. I've got 3 kids and elderly mum & MIL but no call is so important that it can't wait a few mins till I park up.

Don't want to come across as pious and holier-than-thou: I drink, eat too much, sometimes say stuff that upsets people etc etc-but I always treat driving with the respect it deserves - a mistake behind the wheel can cost lives and destroy families.

Luckily the OP's son-in-law will have learnt his lesson without anyone getting hurt. OK, his family may have it tough financially for a while but he'll hopefully get on his bike and work that bit harder until he's allowed to drive again.