I have found in the past that if I approach someone with a smile and make a comment in a non-confrontational way there is little for anyone to truly get upset about. Such as ” Hi, I’m concerned you are putting yourself and others at risk, pull over if you need to use your phone or text” people do one of two things…disregard your inquiry or statement, as was the case with the driver I mentioned, or tell you to get lost and roll up the window.

Sure there is the possibility of some lunatic out there that can’t even take this, but they are also the ones that won’t like someone honking their horn when they are slow off the green light.

I don’t know, it has to be an individuals call as to whether the opportunity arises to quickly speak with someone face to face re: the issue, call the police or just shake their head and drive on, I have done all of these at one time or another. I can’t live my life worrying about “the nuts” out there, generally people are good and would most likely shrug you off and think about it later.

I appreciate your comment, thanks for adding to our discussion.

My husband and I called the police on young woman who was texting and literally stopped in the middle of the street trying to finish her texting. Initially, with people behind her, everyone thought she had broke down and started to go around. As we drove by I thought we should help her, when we asked if she needed help she looked up, said a quick “No” as she was bothered by our interruption of her texting. The police didn’t get there in time, she did this twice more on the way to our destination.

My friend today said “she honks” at people who are on their phones while driving. I guess we are not worried about road rage. I can’t take that information fast enough, find a place to pull over, get my phone out of my purse, turn it on and then give the police info. By the time I’ve done that, in this neck of the woods, nobody would know where the car went.

As for warning letters sent, according to our local RCMP they don’t send warning letters. The only way they will be involved (after the fact) is if someone wants to go to court; the RCMP would have to investigate based on the information and look into the possibility of charges. However, without the RCMP being there in the first place it would be a lot of effort for the average person to invest in.

So, I vote personally for a honk or my friendly smile with shame based dialogue mixed with concern. It is all well and good to have these fines on the books but police are going to have difficulty with enforcement. Talking to our family and friends about the issue and making each other accountable will hopefully go a long way.

Thanks for the comments.

Likewise “The Governator” signed a bill in California three years after our lawmakers did, banning the same thing, but with a broader scope. (17 other states have passed similar laws.)

Under any circumstances in most States of the U.S.A. and Canada, or England….you can land up with a hefty fine, points on your license or prosecution for driving without due care and attention, which is what you are doing if you drive while distracted by…. a phone conversation, changing radio channels…skipping a track on a c.d. , shaving, or putting on lipstick….all common practices in so many modern countries.

Since Road rage is popular now…with both sexes…I would not advise taking personal action against offenders. However you can take down the number plate and make a non emergency call to the Police…Make sure that you have the time and date, make of car, male ofr female driver…the location and the direction of travel, though.

The Police may then possibly send a warning letter. Or if they have a response, (Patrol )car nearby, go after the offender themselves?

For the life of me I can’t understand the importance of these items beyond emergency purposes and general communication mainly for business. (not while driving) Truly, outside of those two things I really don’t want to be connected to anyone that bad.

Maybe we need to be more assertive and speak up when people are using these devices while in conversation with us, I’m willing to snap someone out of their tech world into reality. That is going to seem really cruel to those who are addicted but that’s what is called an “intervention!”