Mobile phones and driving

[amazingtrade]

I have my first test fairly soon, and I am self employed my mobile is going of all the time. When I am walking/busing/training it to jobs it is not a problem but if I am driving it will be.

Hands free is not an option as although legal I think they are far too distracting, imagine trying to talk somebody through a wireless network problem while trying to navigate a multi lane round about

So I was thinking how to others do it? I was thinking of setting up a profile which is silent and no vibrates and then stick the phone in the boot so I won't be aware of the phone ringing, when I get to the destination I will be able to see who has called and phone them back.

My dad simply makes sure nobody knows his number other than family so his phone rarely goes off and if he does he just ignores it.
So how do other 'busy' people manage their phones when driving?

 

[kmac]

Let it go to voicemail when I'm driving and then get back to them when I am able.

The thing to do is to be religious about getting back to people if they leave a message.

 

[amazingtrade]

Yep I have recently ported my business phone to contract for that reason, before on pay as you go it used to cause many problems. Thankfully the voice mail on 3 is free.

So maybe just switching them off is the best way of dealing with it.

 

[lordsummit]

Just don't answer it, it's not hard! Ring them back when you get there.

 

[badchamp]

Get a hands free, and answer it . If it's a simple problem speak to them, if it's not, explain that you're driving and will get back to them as soon as it's safe to do so. As a customer I'd prefer that than speaking to a voice mail.

Jeff

 

[Bob McC]

Turn it off when driving!

 

[I-S]

Switch it off. It's distracting at the best of times. Phone them back once you've finished your journey. I don't know about other networks, but vodafone send you (for free) a txt for each missed call while your phone was off or you were out of network coverage.

 

[lbr]

Personally, i use hands free but i would avoid complex conversations. If you have any doubt then don't use the phone in the car. I doubt it's necessary to turn it off or lock it in the boot though - answering the phone is a positive action; just don't If you're worried that the ringing might get to you then do what i do and keep a bottle of vodka in the glove - if you find yourself getting tense then take a calming gulp or two.

 

[mr cat]

I put mine of silent (not buzzing either) - as when some people ring they don't always leave messages...

 

[amazingtrade]

Yeah I think that is the best way Mr Cat, then I am not aware of it ringing and I just call them back when I have parked up.

I am one of them people that can't really talk while driving especialy when its busy. Although the way my lesson went today it will be a while until I pass .

 

[DavidF]

Can you not set up so as to leave ananswer phone message.....+space for callers messages.

Answring the phone whilst driving is nowadays no no.....

My brother works for bp (oil) and I gather it is now sackable offence in the company to talk at all on a phone whilst driving.

I have hands free set in the van (left from the previous owner) but use it only VERY occassionally whist driving....its just not worth the potential distraction.

I did try to cal some one tomend house hold appliance and didn't get an answer ....or a machine......and it was a bit annoying. I woiuld recommend at least an answer phone. In fairness the guy did get back to me......but I felt my time was wasted though.

 

[auric]

Have it divert to you PA or Secretary

 

[DavidF]

Yeah I think that is the best way Mr Cat, then I am not aware of it ringing and I just call them back when I have parked up. .

Think about diverting to an answer phone if you can

I am one of them people that can't really talk while driving.

I don't know that anyone can (safely)......like say I wouldn't....busy or no.....Ive been driving 25 years

especialy when its busy..

As above.


Don't even dream about it....or you'll end up up someones ****. I would.

Although the way my lesson went today it will be a while until I pass .

Sounds like me and my Polish lessons.

Thats the way it goes.....2 steps forward......1.75 back.





Thats life.






p.s. there is nothing the cops would like better than to nab you for it.....don't give them the chance.

 

[amazingtrade]

Thanks David .

I am not expecting to pass anyway for a while so this could be a problem for the future .

 

[Colin2040]

Like David F's message we had hands free and one of our directors nearly died when using it.It is now a sackable offence using your phone whilst driving full stop.All phones have to be switched off when in the car its a very simple rule and we tend to stick to it.You're a long time dead!

 

[DavidF]

Yup.

My brothers got I think seven managers under him......hes done well.....but still the same rule.

 

[banpe2006]

Just use it. Its more fun trying to guess where the police are hiding!

 

[mr cat]

yeah, a colleague got pulled over for scratching a spot on the back of his neck!
had he of had a mobile with him they would have done him as they were convinced he was using it...!

twats!

 

[D Louth 77]

Hi AT and Guys

Using or picking up a mobile in a moving vehicle is against the law.

It would be ashame to get points on your licence before you even get going never mind being distracted and killing someone or yourself.

Regards D Louth

 

[lbr]

Just to clarify, using a hand held device is illegal, but using a mobile phone per se is not. Provided the mobile phone remains attached to the vehicle, it is perfectly legal to use it. Most commonly achieved by installing a hands-free device in the car, but blu-tack on the dash and the phone's loudspeaker would be just as legal in theory - you're just not allowed to pick it up (literally).