End practice of driving while using mobile

Last week Prime Time did a very sad feature on the trauma and devastation caused to families of victims of hit and run accidents. It highlighted very many important issues in this area.

I’d like to highlight one concern in relation to the programme, however. During the programme the very capable presenter was filmed speaking to camera while driving. Now, just reflect on that for a moment. As we are all aware huge efforts have been made to try to dissuade drivers from using their mobile phones while driving, yet here was a feature on a road safety issue and the presenter was filmed while driving. It is done on many programmes, and on not only RTE programmes. For example, last year on the series following Hector on his travels around Ireland he was frequently filmed while driving and, consistent with his characteristic and innate level of animation and gesticulation, during one clip both of his hands were off the steering wheel. I could, regretfully many more instances.

A number of years ago I raised this issue of bad practice with Gay Byrne in his capacity as chairman of the Road Safety Association. I am disappointed that this practice continues.