Comments on: Tickets For Drivers Using Cell Phones

By: Rockfish

Rockfish — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:21:34 +0000

Ok – let me Reply to myself – I had a good look at the act and by far Regulation 45 makes absolutely no sense. My car has two display screens – one for the radio and the other for heating – my car is computerized – my car has been on the road prior to this Act being made effective. Now considering all that – my car is essentially a form of a ‘computer’ – so to speak – they need to work on Regulation 45 – you can’t give the Taxi drivers preferential treatment – suppose I also need a GPS screen in my car for work purposes. And most newer vehicles disable the dvd player while you are driving – so having a display screen in your car should not be a punishment – it is not illegal in the USA which is being used as a reference for this Act implementation.

By: Rockfish

Rockfish — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:07:05 +0000

Hand held – does not apply to radio display screens in cars or taxis as they are not held in your hand but in a fixed position. The Act does not mention fixe display screens in a vehicle as being banned – just the use of hand held devices – Read things three times, digest it, ask questions before you comment people.
Now if it is a hand held GPS device – of course it is banned.

By: i can drive

i can drive — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:58:56 +0000

speak for yourself cause i have seen some police drivers who can hardly drive at all and i would like to pit my skills against theirs and yes i would be the winner some of the best drivers in bermuda have never even driven a popo car—- plus a cell phone stuck in the side of your helmet is not dangerous at all maybe putting it there and taking it out while riding is but if your put it there to carry on a conversation before you start to drive is as safe as no cell phone in your helmet at all

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:21:35 +0000

I am referring to her driver idiot

By: 0_o

0_o — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:38:14 +0000

….p.s. every radio/cd player has a display screen of some sort! Even the old school radios with the knobs you have to twist to put on the desired station. This makes no sense. They should just ban radios period then. Because either way your taking your eyes off the road even for a second to switch a station. Not fair to penalase people who have newer technology radios.

By: 0_o

0_o — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:32:47 +0000

First, cell phone usage while driving is not just a Bermudian problem. Its happening all over the world. especially in the U.S. were people are dying from getting into bad accidents for doing so. So check yourself on that comment.

Secondly, it does take skill to drive on this islands narrow and winding roads. Driving in the U.S. or anywhere else does not compare!

By: Long~Tales

Long~Tales — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:10:25 +0000

yes, it impares hearing much like having a cell in your helmet does. you’ll be prevented from hearing traffic coming to the side of you and can have a serious accident.

By: Young Observer

Young Observer — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:35:29 +0000

I assume that but its not clearly stated. It says USING.

I think it needs a lot more clarification!

By: Roxanne

Roxanne — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 02:09:58 +0000

This is the Roxy girLl!

Let me clarify a few things 4 years ago when I was the RSO there was zero law in place related to the banning or illegal use of Cell Phones. That onlly came into effect last week. During those years we emphasized education and not engaging in stressful conversation, which is a leading cause of crashes. Since then the trends have changed which was the driving factor of similar universal legislation.

Thus I was operating within the parameters of the law.

Regarding the comment about double parking……..that I do but parking it is not. I often stop mid street to allow persons to cross the road where there is no pedestrian to provide them with courtesy which is often a road safety practice of the past.

I appreciate your comments and I encourage you to receive mines.

Merry Christmas

By: Triangle Drifter

Triangle Drifter — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:15:27 +0000

What is it with Bermudians & their cellphones? Really! You are not that important. Whatever it is can wait till you stop the car somewhere or, make the call before you go. Texting while driving is just utterly stupid. Recieving a call & talking while driving somehow is more distracting than talking to a passenger.

The LEO drivers have much more driver training than the rest of us. Getting a Bda drivers license does not take much skill. Driving here does not take much skill either but many drivers are at their tasking limits before they pick up a phone & put that into the mix.

By: Can't Take It Anymore

Can't Take It Anymore — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:15:20 +0000

You don’t know any cops do you? If you did, then you wouldn’t say what you said above. You obviously don’t know cops in Bermuda.

By: shawn

shawn — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:22:01 +0000

why r people so up in arms ?? its simple–>> first whats so important that u cant wait 10 mins?? the time it takes 2 get ALMOST everywhere in bermuda. second BLUETOOTH EARPIECE they been around since the 90′s i dont see what the problem is. what amazes me is the most repeat offenders are some of the worst drivers anyway whether they on the fone or not lol –>>>insert sexest comment here<<–

By: 32n64w

32n64w — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:04:05 +0000

The legislation was drafted some time ago but as is now a typical occurrence with the PLP Government their lack of proper consultation beforehand combined with a general lack of sound legislative knowledge revealed deficiencies which in turn required the original effort to be shelved in favour of more important use of the House’s time – like selling off our limited land resources to non-Bermudians so non-Bermudian lenders could temporarily delay writing off/down their loans.

As the PLP are now desperately trying to stuff/pad their failure of a resume with a list of hollow achievements as we quickly approach election time, don’t be surprised if we see more legislation coming down the pipe that has signs of being rushed, ill-crafted or poorly conceived.

Hold on a second, here’s a perfect example of PLP legislation that was formed in the crucible of good intentions but turns out to be contradictory and will cost taxpayers millions to implement:

http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20111219/NEWS01/712199955/-1

PLP – Number 1 in the Number 2 business.

By: sticky

sticky — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:53:08 +0000

The Premier sits in the back seat of GP1, and also she does not drive.

By: Zoey

Zoey — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:42:56 +0000

This so called law was supposed to be in place some time ago, are they re-inforcing it because of the recent accident in the states where the guy was texting? Now the Boys/girls in blue are gonna be real anxious to give tickets.

By: Interesting

Interesting — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:50:15 +0000

Just like the seats for kids. I see a lot of kids standing between the drivers seat and the front passengers seat. I hope lots of people get tickets for this offence? And they are putting another one one the table. Gosh. I do understand and welcome the cell phone law, I just hopoe they enforce it.

By: Young Observer

Young Observer — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:46:09 +0000

……………if you are not driving with attention that is! So if you are driving, taking on phone attenting to kids, putting on lipstick, drinking coffee (not alkyhol) and have control of your vehicle then you are driving WITH due care and attention!!!

By: 32n64w

32n64w — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:45:25 +0000

“It is also an offence for the vehicle to have a television or any other display screen that is visible to the driver.”

Has the Act clearly defined what is considered a “display screen”?

By: Young Observer

Young Observer — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:40:17 +0000

I agree 100% with you on that. Due care covers driving without attention. So if you are putting on lipstick, attending to children in the back seat, drinking your morning coffee that all comes under that category!!

By: Triangle Drifter

Triangle Drifter — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:39:07 +0000

Ya ya ya. Heard it all before. This amendment was supposed to be put in place a few years ago but was deferred, deferred then deferred some more. Now lets see if it is enforced? Not likely. Can cellphone use be the primary reason for a traffic stop or must it be combined with something else, most likley caused by cellphone use, like running a light, crossing center line or some other due care offence?

By: The Doctor

The Doctor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:17:03 +0000

Just another law that easily targets the masses so that government can try and claw back what they OVERSPENT. Once again a quick fix to a long term problem.
PLP clean it up or get out.

Better Yet ….a new name for you PLEASE LEAVE PARLIAMENT.

By: VJ

VJ — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:02:38 +0000

By the way, I agree with Same S*** Different Day…that girl they referred to in the gold car used to be on the Road Safety Council…..I assume that’s why she was pointed out to lead by example. She double parks a lot too….tsk tsk….

By: VJ

VJ — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:58:17 +0000

Police Officers are NOT allowed to use cellphones while on duty or driving. They have a very strict policy in place on this, and if they are caught they are disciplined. That has been in place for quite some time. What I find interesting is that taxi drivers (some of the worst offenders on our roads in my opinion) are still allowed to use GPS units. Well!!!!…..Just last week a white taxi almost cleaned out my coworker and myself as we crossed on the zebra crossing on Front Street near the Cenotaph. The taxi driver had his head down and was fiddling with something (I assume his GPS device or radio) and didn’t see us until the very last second. This is the same crosswalk where two people have been run down within the last year. My point is, anything can distract a driver which is why they have the due care law on the books. This law seems very silly and unneccessary…do we really have to copy everything the States does? People just need to be careful on the roads…if they’re not distracted by cellphones it’s going to be something else. You just can’t legislate everything…including common sense and common courtesy!!!

By: Rockfish#1

Rockfish#1 — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:42:12 +0000

The BPS claim they have a modern/state of the art radio system, which if works as advertised,eliminates the need for their using cell phones for job related matters!

By: Just Me

Just Me — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:27:25 +0000

Police carry guns to help protect the safety of the law abiding public. Hence, they should not be on the phone while driving to protect the safety of the law abiding public! They have Radio’s for work communications which are already equipped to be used hands free, Use them for WORK business not the cell phone. So if a Cop or an MP in a GP car; driving while on a cell phone run over your son or daughter remember you position on this issue!

By: tricks are for kids.....

tricks are for kids..... — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:25:53 +0000

Pull over..???

By: SeaBee

SeaBee — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:25:03 +0000

I smh, I thought this law went into effect a while ago. I’ll believe it when I see it.

By: tricks are for kids.....

tricks are for kids..... — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:25:00 +0000

DA do explain why you think the previous comment is stupid..why would Policeman need their cell phone whilst at work or let alone be talking on them when they are drivng..if there is an emrgency and they are needed dispatch sends it over the radio…no cell phone needed for that…and IF their cell phones are needed than they can get an earpiece like everyone else….yes they need to lead by example and for you to compare cellphone use whilst driving (what the article is actually about) with the carrying of guns (off topic) than that is like comparing apples and oranges…No cell phone use whilst driving should adhere to ALL members of the community!! an accident can happen with anyone do you think an ‘accident” can distinguish between a civilian on their phone or LE on their phone? I don’t think so..It is a diistraction and ANYONE; be they LE, grocer, fireman, clergyman, gas stationa attendent can be ditracted so therefore the new ruling should apply to ALL

By: Ganja Mon

Ganja Mon — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:16:44 +0000

What if a police officer on his phone pulls me over for using my phone..Who writes the POlice tickets??

By: Guy Carri

Guy Carri — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:15:51 +0000

Big deal. Another law that will not be enforced. *Yawn*

By: sticky

sticky — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:14:49 +0000

Just don’t talk, text or BB its dangerous and repeat offender should pay more.

By: sticky

sticky — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:12:44 +0000

So why call out the Roxxi Girl in the Gold car when most people do it.

By: WOW!!

WOW!! — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:12:40 +0000

it’s holding the phone to your ear while driving.. and using the phone while riding… Handsfree can be used..

By: WOW!!

WOW!! — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:09:38 +0000

I’m sure that you have seen the police on their phones and not on their radios.. Yes I know that they have job phones.. however they can use a handsfree device…

By: Young Observer

Young Observer — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:52:04 +0000

Does it mean actually holding a cell phone or can a handsfree device be used??

Also don’t radios have a display screen??

Just wondering!

By: Wens

Wens — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:43:01 +0000

‘it is now an offence for the operator of any vehicle to use a hand-held mobile phone, a hand-held entertainment device or any other hand held device while operating the vehicle.’

So how does this apply to truck drivers needing to contact their dispatchers or vs….

By: BermyGurl

BermyGurl — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:38:59 +0000

I personally am more distracted by my children arguing in the back seat than I am turning on my ipod.

By: BermyGurl

BermyGurl — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:36:53 +0000

Then they need the hands free devices.

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:23:08 +0000

And what happens when I have a business call

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:21:10 +0000

O yes and include Mr Taxi driver

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:20:50 +0000

And of course GP1 and for that sake every other GP car and every police office will of course feel this does not apply to them – just like the 35km/h speed limit. I see them on a daily basis breaking both the speed limits and talking on their cell phones

By: really?!?

really?!? — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:18:27 +0000

Well,well lets hope Mr DaSilva starts with his boys and girls. On the real though is there a driving policy for ppl operating Gov’t owned vehicles. I am talking GP cars, W&E, Parks Dept, Police, Regiment ect. They need to have a policy in place as far as how these vehicles should be operated before trying to make money off the general public. Set the examples on your end first,oh don’t talk about the Road Safety Council bunch of hyp…..awww well.

By: The Fly

The Fly — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:16:11 +0000

Just imagine if the police had to adhere to the speed limit! Use ya common sense. The police would have to be exempt from many laws. How else would they catch criminals?

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:15:50 +0000

… DA has a point…

By: Melvin Dickinson

Melvin Dickinson — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:14:48 +0000

No exemptions……the law is the law!!

By: DA

DA — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:12:06 +0000

The police need their cell phones!! As long as it is being used for the job!

By: Jay Smith

Jay Smith — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:11:35 +0000

“The amendments to the Act will not impact taxi drivers using GPS systems or collision avoidance systems.” Its in the story…

By: DA

DA — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:10:02 +0000

Stupid! So thta means if guns are outlawed, LE can’t carry them?

By: concerned user

concerned user — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:09:47 +0000

What happens to the taxi drivers that have to look at their screens for the GPS

By: Jay Smith

Jay Smith — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:09:08 +0000

This is an interesting amendment… I wonder if cars being brought into the island with display screens for GPS and radio/cd player as stock features will be exempted; and if they are how is this different from cars that have screens installed for the same purpose? Additionally, if screens in new cars will be fined then have the auto-dealers on island been banned from bringing in those models of car? Something is telling me no to the last point.