Featured Article
At regular intervals I will publish a short article featuring a club, event or other item of interest from somewhere around the world. On this occassion, I ask those of you who operate /mobile to think carefully about safe operating practice.
Keep Safe: Use Hands Free!
Most countries in the world have laws which state that motorists should not use hand held mobile phones and other similar devices whilst driving. In Great Britain and Northern Ireland the legislation currently applies only to mobile phone usage and does not extend to two-way radio systems, but that may change in the future. The legislation was enacted in the interests of road safety, the argument being that if drivers were holding, talking or texting on a mobile phone whilst on the move, they were not in full control of their vehicle.
The intent of the legislation was, and is, admirable but how often do we see people driving whist using hand held phones rather than hands free devices? We see it every day. Young and old; male and female; drivers of cars, vans, lorries and even buses/coaches. Do they not realise they are putting themselves, their passengers, and other road users at risk of death or serious and possible permanent injury? Hands free devices are readily available and are not partiicularly expensive.
Many ham radio enthusiasts operate whilst on the move. Some still use fist or hand held microphones. In this country that is currently legal, but is it a wise or safe practice? I suggest it is not. We amateurs pride ourselves on being responsible citizens. Let us exercise that responsibility by setting a good example to all. Let us keep safe and use hands free microphones whilst on the move and encourage everyone else to do likewise.
We owe it to ourselves, our families and everyone to make our roads a safer place so that we can all enjoy life. After all, remember those killed or paralysed as a result of the indiscriminate use of hand held mobile devices have little or no use for mobile phones, two-way radios or any other communication devices!
(See also Hands Free).
Posted 28 February, 2010 08:12:46 GMT