IAM RoadSmart has welcomed an increase in the punishment for drivers caught using a held-held mobile phone whilst driving – saying drivers need to learn that their actions could kill.

This morning (8 November) the Government announced that anyone caught using a hand-held mobile phone while at the wheel of a car would be fined £200 and receive six points on the licence – a doubling of the existing penalty.

The issue was brought into sharp focus last week when lorry driver Tomasz Kroker was jailed for 10 years when he killed a family of four in a crash caused by him being distracted by his mobile phone.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, said: “Addressing the growing problem of smartphone use whilst driving will require a combination of enforcement and education as well as drivers, passengers, companies and individuals taking more responsibility. 

“IAM RoadSmart is disappointed that the government did not support our calls for first time offenders to be sent automatically on a re-education course specifically tailored to mobile phone use and breaking our apparent addiction to being constantly connected.  We also want to see car companies, mobile phone makers and social media providers working together to develop technical solutions to hand held mobile phone use in vehicles.”

Neil added: “It is essential that drivers get the clear message that if you are on the phone and have a fatal crash you can expect to go to prison for a long time.  There is a lot of support among the driving public for stronger penalties and more enforcement focus on mobile phones, but also a feeling that this is not always reflected in sentencing. 

“The Home Office must also review it’s policing priorities to ensure they reflect the risks that new technology can bring on the road.”

Very few people these days have seen a sidecar close up, let alone had the opportunity to ride them, especially along dirt roads!  

I think I have the largest collection of sidecars in central Brittany and have even made a little museum for them.

Many Bikers have ridden them when staying with us, including one lady who has spent a lifetime riding pillion, far and wide with her husband (even up to the arctic circle) and had never ridden a bike herself.

With a little persuasion and help, she rode the Russian outfit - The joy on her face was a picture and she was almost in tears and said she never thought she would be able to do something like that.

The pictures of the guys and gals on the sidecars in the bike shed are of Bikers all from Derbyshire.

Sidecar coming through the trees of two brothers

We all had some terrific times.

Rog @ Countryside Holidays in France

www.countrysideholidaysinfrance.co.uk

See them on THE BIKER GUIDE here 

"Just packed the Wing ready for a Dads and Lads Big Adventure to Spain. I do like to travel light!"

1 Kuryakyn Trunk Lid Organizer Bag and The Wolfman Tool Roll*
2 Honda waterproof jacket
3 Another Honda waterproof jacket (packed inside its own pocket)
4 First Aid kit
5 4.5 litre Petrol Can
6 THE BIKER GUIDE booklet
7 SealSkinz Winter gloves, plus a thermal neck tube
8 SealSkinz waterproof gloves plus fleece neck tube
9 Bivi Bag - for sleeping in on floor at side of bike if it rains (hopefully not needed)
10 Passport, AA roadside, log book, insurance documents, E111, travel insurance (all in plastic covering)
11 GP PowerBank for charging mobile and iPad
12 Contour helmet camera
13 Stop and Go Pocket Tyre Plugger
14 Neck tube
15 Micro 35 litre rucksack
16 Motorbike cover - faded and still does a great job
17 VW Compressor (Fantastic bit of kit)
18 Water bottle
19 Warning triangle

* Inside includes fuses, sockets, cable ties and heavy duty tape wrapped around a pencil sharpened at both ends. Also a selection of pain killers, Gaviscon, ear plugs, mosquito repellent, face wipes and tissues. USB car socket adaptor, pens, head torch, Leatherman Pro Multi tool AND two plastic pegs for ferry and tunnel tickets.

THE BIKER GUIDE would like to thank Ray for this excellent picture and very detailed list of items inside.  

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