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Banned: Texting while driving now 'completely prohibited'

The existing law wasn’t 100 per cent clear on the area, according to Transport Minister Leo Varadkar.

YOU PROBABLY PRESUMED texting while driving was already illegal, right?

Well, essentially it is — but the Transport Minister’s just taken action to clear up the situation once and for all.

Varadkar actually flagged the move at a road safety event a few weeks ago — few people noticed, however, as the announcement was overshadowed by his scripted remarks about the garda whistleblowers.

Earlier in the speech, he’d explained, “it is already an offence to hold a mobile phone while driving and I will shortly strengthen the law by prohibiting completely the practice of texting while driving. This will be done by regulation”.

He said that while you can’t operate a phone while behind the wheel, the law wasn’t 100 per cent clear as to whether that applied to sending a text or searching the web while the phone is in the cradle.

A survey carried out earlier this year found that texting was cited by over ten per cent of drivers as the activity that caused most “near misses”.

Read: Varadkar ‘loves’ trains – and won’t be closing ‘dozens’ of rural lines 

Read: Varadkar says Callinan should withdraw ‘disgusting’ remarks – but gardaí say he won’t

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145 Comments
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    Mute cosmological
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    Apr 11th 2014, 5:52 PM

    Driving and txting – dumb and dangerous.

    466
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    Mute Margaret Flanagan
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    Apr 11th 2014, 5:59 PM

    Its just amazing how many crackpot drivers i see every day on mobile phone while driving. Not a guard in sight. Good move Leo.

    309
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    Mute Antonov Merinov
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:49 PM

    What about peeling a banana or doing your makeup while driving?

    286
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    Mute Barr Is Open
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:08 PM

    Why from the 1st May ???? Why not from 12 midnight tonight ???? The answer is because it won’t bring money in for the coughers but that’s ok cause people could still die between now and the 1st

    22
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    Mute Buckwheat MacMillan
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:34 PM

    ‘Coughers’ ha!

    143
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    Mute John Kavanagh
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:39 PM

    so its ok once you are “not holding the mobile”…what about hands free?….what about tuning in the radio…

    36
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    Mute Ken Power
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:59 PM

    Dont forget “tailgating”!!! . … A national pastime for every 2nd eeeejit behind a wheel in Ireland . Oddly enough these clowns apparently think they are travelling faster by driving up the ass o the vehicle in front, when they are travelling at the SAME speed at best … ???

    102
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:05 PM

    I’ll venture on the side of controversy and say that, in my opinion, women are far worse offenders for texting. I drive c.65,000kms per annum and this is based on my observations.

    91
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    Mute Eduard Cristian Vernica
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:37 PM

    If all drivers will drive the empty lane from lane 1 won’t happend eny more ! I seen nany care moving for 2 sen in midfle lane and after i pass them move right back in 3-rd lane iven if middle kane empty!

    12
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    Mute Cait Cumbers
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:16 AM

    Really Mary???? My goodness and we have been given the vote as well !! It’s down to all the women that Enda and Absent Eamon are in office ……I was going to say running the country …. But I don’t like telling lies …….

    10
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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:19 AM

    Or shaving? Turning the corner from Nassau Street to Kildare Street, razor in one hand and changing gear with the other. I saw that a while ago.

    15
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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:20 AM

    I thought money came from the coughers in the form of tobacco taxes?

    41
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    Mute mjhint
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:50 AM

    So harney @ 65k a year your a novice. Right?.

    1
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 12th 2014, 1:19 AM

    That actually doesn’t make any sense – unless you mixed up novice and expert?

    In which case, no, I’m not an expert at all. I was simply saying that I’m on the road a fair bit and, from my own experience, I’ve seen far more women texting whilst driving than I’ve seen men.
    That’s all. If I’ve misunderstood you, please tell me.

    24
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 12th 2014, 1:25 AM

    I’m not too sure what you’re saying Cait, I’m making the point that I’ve seen more women texting than men.

    I’ve seen more men driving like idiots but that’s neither here nor there in this context.

    You’ve assumed that I’m being sexist and implying that women are worse drivers than men and, as a result, you’ve jumped down my throat and insinuated that our country is getting ruined because two men are in power.

    Reactions like this do more harm than good in terms of seeking true gender equality. They are also the reason that I alluded to controversy in my initial comment. Alas, it is too easy to predict this reaction.

    28
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    Mute mjhint
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    Apr 12th 2014, 1:34 AM

    65k a year is not a lot & i disagree we are all guilty of being on the phone especially male drivers. i myself got caught the other day but i am now trying to change my habit not because of the gardai but because its unsafe. We shouldn’t point fingers we should only change our attitudes like we changed about drink driving. 165k year is a lot take my word for it & don’t phone & drive.

    8
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Apr 12th 2014, 3:56 AM

    I just slow down. Getting them frustrated makes them overtake.

    6
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 12th 2014, 10:02 AM

    On the phone, yes, I’d agree but texting? Definitely more women than men.

    12
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    Mute Dave Hammond
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    Apr 13th 2014, 10:19 AM

    Yes I’m sure that is kinda annoying Eduard- another thing that annoys me is incoherent comments

    7
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    Mute Gabriel Lacey
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    Jun 23rd 2014, 11:29 PM

    ooooh ooooh women doing something wrong??? you’ll hang for that you awful horrible man!!!

    1
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    Mute Gabriel Lacey
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    Jun 23rd 2014, 11:30 PM

    Pardon?

    1
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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Jun 24th 2014, 3:45 PM

    Or shaving?!

    1
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    Mute Mike Clinton
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:03 PM

    feCKIn speeDBUMps…

    218
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    Mute Lára de Siúin
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:03 PM

    Doesn’t the current legislation state that a person may not hold a mobile phone while operating a vehicle?! I didn’t think there was a grey area to begin with…

    138
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:39 PM

    Very astute of you, young lady! Should I ever need legal representation may I call upon you!

    45
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    Mute john Gallagher
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:17 PM

    I can only assume this legislation is to clarify if a person has their phone in a cradle or holder & the person simply uses his/her finger to touch the phone, therefore not handling or cradling the phone. You can see the grey area if you think about it.

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    Mute Lára de Siúin
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:40 PM

    Oh yes John, I never even thought of that! Dexter, perhaps you must look elsewhere for legal representation after all!

    50
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:44 PM

    Your far too modest young lady. I tip my hat at you!

    25
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    Mute Lára de Siúin
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:45 PM

    I shall bid you adieu, good Sir! :)

    28
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    Mute Colm McDonagh
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:35 PM

    What about speech to text? You can dictate your text via handsfree / bluetooth. Experia Z1.

    14
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    Mute Cait Cumbers
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:22 AM

    Brilliant Lara!!

    6
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    Mute Ken Power
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    Apr 13th 2014, 10:47 AM

    Well it tells you just how much thought went into the “text” of previous laws regarding the use of phones… I can see a need to amend the latest law already….. After the defendant plea is “No your honor, i wasnt TEXTING on my mobile phone. I was tweeting on my ipod “touch” …case dismissed!!

    2
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    Mute Byron Deithrick
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    Apr 14th 2014, 5:39 PM

    @lará people where texting and receiving SMS , Mms , Bbm, on phones that were in cradles.
    The law closes loop hole allowing texting while driving regardless of weather cradle or hand held phone.

    ” I’ve asked the Dept Of Transport , and it relates to SMS mms. I was concerned about receiving a taxi job from a hailing app or off data head. Or looking at google maps. These seem to escape as the act states text messengers , and not just touching a phone in a cradle .
    But I would not to pawing a phone while driving until I’m sure no law is with in eye sight as it could be construed as texting.

    1
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    Mute Ian Macdonald
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:01 PM

    Coming soon . Texting under the influence of alcohol to be banned…

    113
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    Mute stephen kavanagh
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:02 PM

    Oh I wish it would be!

    80
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    Mute Bill
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:27 PM

    I have a rule never text anyone after my third G and T

    23
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    Mute Margaret Flanagan
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:09 PM

    Leo. Bring in another law. When u drive , No Alcohol. Not even Wan.

    17
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    Mute Declan Carr
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:13 PM

    I have seen dozens of bus drivers texting while driving. Next time I see one I will take a photo,they are responsible for a lot of people on the bus not to mention out side.

    111
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    Mute TOP CAT
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:01 PM

    Txting while driving is as stupid and dangerous ,
    as a person trying to make toast while showering…

    78
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    Mute Barry O'Shea
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:31 PM

    Once it’s not in the shower with you it’s ok. You can make toast and have a shower while it’s cooking in the other room. Yeah I know it’s a half wit post but what can ya do

    46
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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:57 PM

    At least a toaster in the shower would only kill you. Texting while driving could kill someone else.

    85
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    Mute Thomas Dooly
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:03 PM

    I’d say taking the toaster into the shower is still more deadlier !

    21
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    Mute Stephen Moran
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:48 PM

    Barry, I’ve never heard someone refer to the making of toast as ‘bread cooking’.

    18
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    Mute Cait Cumbers
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:20 AM

    Well said Brian !

    5
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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:26 AM

    Soggy toast would be the result, Top Cat – but you mightn’t live to not enjoy it!

    3
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    Mute John James
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:29 PM

    “Beep if you love Jesus….
    Text if you want to meet Him”….

    68
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    Mute mjhint
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:54 AM

    Who?

    7
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:00 PM

    Jaysus if the driver in front if me went any slower she wouldn’t be moving at all.

    67
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    Mute Montys Moonshine
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:01 PM

    Female?

    38
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:10 PM

    Yeah and she appears to be doing her make up in the mirror.

    56
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    Mute Montys Moonshine
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:11 PM

    A recent Harvard study revealed that 100% of female drivers are half cracked once they get behind the wheel.

    47
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    Mute Paul Corrigan
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:52 PM

    That’s scientifically impossible

    14
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    Mute Daffy the Bear
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:29 PM

    At least half of them are 100% cracked..

    9
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    Mute Cait Cumbers
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:19 AM

    Monty’s Moonshine
    Are you for real ???

    3
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    Mute Wes Mc Loughlin
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:05 PM

    I got stopped one time by a guard in kildare for doin 70 in a 50 zone he must of been there all night he said to me iv been waiting all night for a lad like you , i said ok guard sorry i got here as quick as i could , he wasnt impressed. 3 penalty points , lesson learnt

    66
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    Mute Keith Wizzy
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:25 PM

    Great news. Hope this curtails both of my sisters from engaging in this activity henceforth.

    53
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    Mute Paul Corrigan
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:50 PM

    I can hardly text on the sofa with me fat fingers

    47
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    Mute John Sinclair
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:44 PM

    Meanwhile as anyone who drives a car can see, 50% of vehicles driving around at night, are driving with defective headlights, usually a headlamp blub blown, it is a regular occurrence to see a car on the road with one half of the headlamps on the vehicle not working at all. Yet we see the idiots in the RSA, in an attempt to justify their own existence, spending a fortune creating and broadcasting ads on the television, showing people how to indicate when changing lanes. If you want to improve road safety then start with the obvious problems, which are the large numbers of cars driving around at night with no headlamps working on one side of the vehicle, and go sort out the pubs at night where the car parks are all packed full, they are hardly all drinking Fanta.

    35
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    Mute Andy Potts
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:48 PM

    that means that the garda will have to leave the station during the dark hours

    15
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:59 PM

    Big deal, a blown bulb. I suppose you want the death penalty brought in for that offence. Get a life!

    12
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    Mute Mike Roche
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:12 PM

    Nothing frightens the shit out of you quicker than a car coming against you ,with only a light on the passengers side.

    28
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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:31 PM

    The number of times that motorbike turns out to be a car because some asswipe can’t be bothered to fix a bulb… Most worrying when the idiot behind thinks he can overtake when he thinks the “motorbike” can make way.

    28
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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:29 AM

    Really dangerous that, when it’s the outside light.

    7
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    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:59 PM

    Old push button phones with predictive text were the easiest to use while driving as you could navigate around the Braille buttons without having to keep looking at the the key pad.

    33
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    Mute Joe Howard
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:02 PM

    About time but going to be impossible to police.

    31
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    Mute Montys Moonshine
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    Apr 11th 2014, 5:57 PM

    This

    31
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    Mute Montys Moonshine
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    Apr 11th 2014, 5:58 PM

    This is leso

    29
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    Mute Montys Moonshine
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    Apr 11th 2014, 5:58 PM

    Lord jaysus, that’s what I get for texting while drivfghyuio

    96
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    Mute Montys Moonshine
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    Apr 11th 2014, 5:58 PM

    I give up

    46
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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:32 PM

    Try Siri

    5
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    Mute Expert
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:18 PM

    Glad he’s tightened up the law but now he needs to get the lazy cops out there enforcing it. I see people on the phone while driving all the time but never see any getting pulled over.

    30
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    Mute UndercoverGarda
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:54 PM

    Yerrah, they’re grand….

    (Promptly places cap over eyes and falls asleep)

    13
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    Mute Gerard Butler
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:39 PM

    I have seen a number of Gardai on their mobiles whilst driving. Those nights out in Coppers aren’t going to organise themselves I suppose.

    29
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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:01 PM

    I passed a squad car earlier today and the guard driving it was texting I suppose he was on the job so it’s ok for him to do it.

    26
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:36 PM

    What’s a squad car? Did you just come from the 70s?

    14
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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:47 PM

    I call it a squad car have you some sort of problem with that or are you trying to get a few green thumbs. Pathetic fool

    42
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:50 PM

    Name calling, well I suppose your type can react in no other way. Not your fault old chap. Your just a product of your upbringing, well more a failure but that’s just semantics.

    11
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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:02 PM

    What would you know about my up bringing? Your on here talking about breaking the law says a lot about you doesn’t it?

    28
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:08 PM

    So what, it’s not the end of the world. It’s people like you who have destroyed this country. Ratting everyone out just because your jealous. These laws are stupid and only introduced to collect revenue. I flaunt them at will.

    9
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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:12 PM

    Oh god your just embarrassing yourself now.

    30
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:16 PM

    You can go at any stage, I’m sure you have a number of recorded episodes of Jeremy Kyle to watch. Anyway I’m of to the local in the Bentley of course!!!

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    Mute Marilyn Maroney
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:16 PM

    Squad car..american

    8
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:20 PM

    He could be American. He does look a little obese and certainly is stupid enough!

    5
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    Mute Jason Davis
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:36 PM

    You look Irish. Drunk and stupid.

    22
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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:41 PM

    Fortunately I have a good job I never seen jeremy Kyle but a creep like you who stalks the journal every passing hour of the day needs his head checked. Oh and the obese/stupid comment you made water off a ducks back but you keep fishing for your green thumbs you pathetic little man.

    28
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:54 PM

    I never seen!!!! Obviously your good job didn’t hire you for your literary skills. How sad, the orphanage must be so disappointed!!!

    6
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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:00 PM

    Orphanage? I’d say your the type of lad who likes to hang around them sort of places are you?

    17
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:06 PM

    It’s those sort of places not them. Thems is lovely flowers, thems is. There are classes or adult illiteracy you know. Don’t be ashamed. I’m sure you’ve endured a lot worse in your life. I’m actually tired now from the verbal thrashing I’ve inflicted upon you. Adieu!!! Oh that means goodbye.

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    Mute Pauline Ryan
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:20 PM

    Glad you are off to torment someone else. We all do not posses the verbal skills to express our dislike of idiots, this does not mean one should be abused for their deficiencies. (check your last message there is a typo, though I do not want to make you seem like an idiot for it).

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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:20 PM

    The only thing you’ll be thrashing tonight is your sister. Goodnight

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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:29 PM

    Maybe your mother my get the tip of my cane old boy!!!

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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:31 PM

    Are you really a woman Pauline. Now I’m not saying anything but I’m just asking?

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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:34 PM

    It’s may. Not my. Very poor from a wordsmith such as yourself. You pathetic little man

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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:39 PM

    It’s the predictive text and fat fingers. Tell your mom I’ll be over later. In the local and the craic is only mighty. Everyone thinks your some clown. But I told them you’re more to be pitied than laughed at. But they won’t stop laughing. Anyway not looking forward to the long drive home texting all the way.

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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:46 PM

    Yeah she’s in the grave yard say hello for me . Don’t take it out on Everyone else it’s not their fault your father and uncles use to pass you around like a rag doll for their sexual pleasure you poor little victim.

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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:51 PM

    Which graveyard. I’ll bring a shovel. Ha ha. You’re getting so upset. It’s hilarious. Everyone is in stitches laughing at you here. Check you use of capitals mid sentence. Ha ha, night night Bozo.

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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:55 PM

    It’s “your use” not “you use” absolute pathetic little man. Tell your sister/aunt I was asking for her.

    11
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:00 PM

    You have a very unhealthy fixation with family members. I was wondering earlier, that you may not have been hugged enough as a child. However now, I think it probably is the opposite. You got too much hugging and the rest. Ha ha.

    3
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:02 PM

    Are you American David?

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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:07 PM

    Ah Jason, be nice, god save America. Ha ha

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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:13 PM

    Are you insinuating what happened to you happened to me? I think your the expert on that sort of thing just ask your dad (If you know him) and uncles.

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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:32 PM

    You are not your. Doh

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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:40 PM

    Robbie, the lads here in the local reckon you a taker not a giver!! Ha ha

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    Mute Cait Cumbers
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:26 AM

    Come now Dexter got ya! It was funny……

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
    Favourite Mary Kavanagh
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:32 AM

    Robbie, a word to the wise, which I’m sure you are; don’t feed the troll. It only encourages the pests!

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    Mute Dan Harrington
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:40 AM

    Just f**k and get it over with already.

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    Mute RobbieForde
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    Apr 12th 2014, 9:31 AM

    It must have been some sport in that pub if the only entertainment is you trolling through the journal. Don’t be lying I bet you were sat at home alone crying into your microwave supper. Get a life you pathetic little man.

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    Mute whynotme
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    Apr 12th 2014, 11:23 AM

    Sometimes we just stumble onto lovely little hissy fights . Must head out for a few hours but,will be back for more of this wonderful enjoyment !

    Please don’t attack me as – I’m beautiful inside and on the outside too ,tbh , more beautiful on the outside than the inside as they’re going a bit offish ;)

    See you later ,darlings ;)

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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 12th 2014, 1:01 PM

    Sure we were all hammered Robbie and i had a long drive home. Your mom used to make a fine Sunday roast.

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    Mute Amy J
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:01 PM

    Just something else ppl are going to be doing and getting away with.

    26
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    Mute Gizmo mac
    Favourite Gizmo mac
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:02 PM

    I was pulled over one day for speeding and the guard asked me if I realised what speed I was doing! I said “sorry guard I have no idea, I was texting” I was actually on the journal!! Lesson learned 2 fines and points!!

    22
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    Mute Montys Moonshine
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:09 PM

    No ya didn’t :)

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    Mute Gizmo mac
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:17 PM

    No I didn’t :)

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    Mute Lex Luther
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:15 PM

    He’d want to clean up that office. Looks rank. I can see the germs from here. Ever heard of Mr Sheen Leo?

    Is that an ash tray next to the mouse?

    21
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    Mute AICS (Steve Tracey)
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:02 PM

    Completely prohibited as opposed to prohibited? Can someone explain that to me? And when is something which is not allowed only a bit prohibited?

    17
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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Apr 12th 2014, 12:28 AM

    Like parking. Single yellow line, no parking at all. Double yellow line, no parking at all, at all.

    20
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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:12 PM

    One for legal philosophers…
    Guy driving down road at 100kph. Stops and sends a text in 1 minute. Resumes journey. Crashes 1 km later. Not his fault, but could the sending of the text form part of the investigation?

    16
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    Mute Lára de Siúin
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:46 PM

    Why might the texting have anything to do with the investigation? Genuine question…

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:28 PM

    Thanks for biting Lara,
    I presume sending a text would invalidate insurance. Mobile mast signals might report a text sent from a drivers phone at the time of an accident. Inference might be drawn (s)he was texting so (s)he gets blamed.
    Doubly complicated if (s)he were smart enough to send a message using Siri or other voice recognition.
    Is iMessage the same as a text message?
    How, given that the data retention directive was quashed can it be proven that texting is a factor (where texting is a factor) in a road accident?
    More contentiously, what’s to stop a Garda from alleging somebody who used Siri sent a text manually?
    Laws that protect the public are to be admired, unenforceable legislation shouldn’t be.

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    Mute Daffy the Bear
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:34 PM

    Hmm. Interesting.
    I’d guess the five-o might routinely check mobile phones at the scene of a crash alright.

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    Mute me so harney
    Favourite me so harney
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    Apr 12th 2014, 1:56 AM

    He might have sent a suicide text to his friends or family. This would explain the erratic driving, the pause, the resumption.

    If he had said his goodbyes and driven into a wall/tree, it would have a big impact on the investigation.
    ?

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    Mute paul burch
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:13 PM

    I really hope this is enforced now.

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    Mute Andy Potts
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:47 PM

    all that the garda need to do is stand at the road side maybe near a roundabout and see how many people try and drive whilst using mobiles

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    Mute Carlin Ite
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:59 PM

    Does anyone else think Siri is utterly useless for texting or is it just me!

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    Mute fergal ohagan
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:46 PM

    Never mind enforcing this law what about all the other rules of the road. Where is the specialist traffic core? I recently drove from Dublin to enniscrone and back to Meath in the one day. I didn’t see or pass one Garda car during the journey.

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    Mute Andy
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:06 PM

    I was stopped for being on my phone not so long ago. After checking my license, tax and insurance, the sound guard proceeded to tell me to “watch out for the Traffic Core, they’ll so you for that sort of stuff”.. Ohh how I love this country! <3

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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
    Favourite Shawn Rahoon
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:48 PM

    I told them 3 years ago that texting while driving was worse than drink driving yet it took them that long to believe it. So what are they going to do about it? A ban for drink drive yet three penalty points for texting. Driving against the flow of traffic on a motorway and receive the same penalty points as doing a few kmh over the speed limit on safe stretches of roads. Noel Brett made the right choice and Gay Byrne should resign.

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    Mute C H Potter
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    Apr 12th 2014, 1:22 AM

    I had an accident while texting…almost a head-on that ended up as a side-swipe as I swerved last second…cost me over a 1000€ in damages to other car…don’t do it…it’s as lethal as they say

    8
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    Mute Boleyn
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    Apr 12th 2014, 7:50 AM

    Seeing as your still alive, I would suggest it’s in fact not lethal at all

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    Mute me so harney
    Favourite me so harney
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    Apr 12th 2014, 8:13 AM

    *You’re

    4
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    Mute Boleyn
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    Apr 12th 2014, 8:24 AM

    Love yisser work Harneykins

    x

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    Mute Noel Smullen
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    Apr 11th 2014, 6:32 PM

    About time proper order !!

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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 7:44 PM

    I always use my phone while driving and I couldn’t care less.

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    Mute Hazel Loftus
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:57 PM

    Have you got nothing better to do other then sit on your arse all day tormenting other people? It’s idiots like you that would cause an accident and walk away unharmed.

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    Mute Aibrean Aine
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:03 PM

    Well amazing. Leo was up all night working out we needed that legislation. Well done you. Pity we didnt bring it in when sms was invented 20 years ago and more. Were r we with google glasses and general browsing while driving? ???

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    Mute Palidine
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:36 PM

    Why has no one mentioned the use of sat navs while driving?

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Apr 12th 2014, 1:11 PM

    They’re exempt if they’re built-in or on one of those windscreen sucker holders – I think I read that somewhere recently.

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    Mute Anthony Byrne
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:35 PM

    I agree with not “operating a mobile phone” whilst driving, but if it was already illegal, well then why are highly paid civil servants wasting further time and money making it illegal all over again ?

    4
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    Mute Marie Broomfield
    Favourite Marie Broomfield
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    Apr 11th 2014, 8:59 PM

    I don’t know how people can do it, I tried a couole if times snd irs loojed kihecthis . :) see!

    3
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    Mute Marie Broomfield
    Favourite Marie Broomfield
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:23 PM

    I’m only pulling your leg, I’m sitting here in me nice comfy chair.

    3
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
    Favourite Shawn Rahoon
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    Apr 11th 2014, 10:50 PM

    Can I sit there beside you and pretend your my mobile. I can text all night long!

    3
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    Mute Marilyn Maroney
    Favourite Marilyn Maroney
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:14 PM

    Texting and talking on hand held phone has been illegal in Chicago for awhile, but it doesn’t stop the idiots. ..where are the cops when you need them!!! ( probably at the donut shop, natch)

    2
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    Mute Dexter Ferguson
    Favourite Dexter Ferguson
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    Apr 11th 2014, 9:26 PM

    Your in Ireland now, just in case you haven’t noticed.

    4
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    Mute Cowenwatch
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    Apr 11th 2014, 11:56 PM

    *You’re…. welcome.

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    Mute Gerry McAuliffe
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    Apr 19th 2014, 8:33 AM

    Can one still drink a hot cup of coffee/tea while driving

    1
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