British Police To Confiscate Phones Immediately After Accidents
UK drivers who find themselves in an accident may also see their cell phones confiscated by the police to determine if they were used prior to said accident.
Visordown reports one Suzette Davenport, chief constable in Gloucestershire in charge of roads policing for the Association of Chief Police Officers, issued the order to check all phones on the scene, no matter the severity of the accident.
Alliance of British Drivers treasurer Hugh Bladon fears the order could be abused:
I am 100 per cent against anyone texting while driving, and those caught deserve everything they get. But I’m worried police could overdo it. Just because someone is involved in a minor shunt, surely it shouldn’t mean they should lose their phone.
The order comes as Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin proclaimed those who are caught using their phones while driving should see six points knocked off of their license, leading to a driving ban if a driver is caught twice in three years; newly minted drivers would lose their license if caught once during the first two years of holding said license.
Comments
Join the conversation
Its ironic how Britons are whining against "EU tyranny" while simultaneously being the most repressive country of the developed world. More on topic, this law is unbelievably stupid. It is extremely easy to delete call history and messages. It would be far more reliable to check with the mobile carriers.
Considering majority of cars have a so-called black box, I'm sure investigators will be able to collaborate when accident happened and when mobile was used. I think this law is a great idea for accidents involving damage, injuries and of course, fatalities. Speed isn't killing much, it's the damn texting. My wife was seriously hit from behind by a dumb ass texting.
Great idea! Go Brits! of course thats the least of Britian`s problems....
The er truth about mobile phones... http://www.acpo.presscentre.com/Press-Releases/Reports-of-police-seizing-mobile-phones-after-every-road-traffic-collision-are-inaccurate-2e8.aspx