We’re all told not to do it – and for good reason, too.
But when it comes to talking on your phone while driving, there seems to be one set of rules for the general public and another set of rules for the police.
A photo of a New South Wales police officer talking on her mobile phone while driving has gone viral on social media, with many angry commentators calling the officer out.
While it’s not known who took the controversial photo, the internet is divided over the officer’s actions.
Top Comments
What a lot of codswallop, why should anyone be exempt from a rule that is built and based on safety? The phone can't be used, not because we can't hold a conversation while we drive but because the equipment we are using to talk requires concentration and it's not possible to concentrate adequately on the driving equipment and the phone equipment at the same time. Whilst I passionately support and salute all emergency services personnel unless they are actually superhuman the same rules of concentration do apply, I would think. If this exemption is to be applied in emergency situations only, which is the only possible time an exemption could apply surely (?) then I imagine that most decent people would understand but this police officer and her entire body language seem very relaxed to me. Setting examples that you want people to follow is always a good idea, especially when you're a copper.
They keep telling us that the ;law applies equally to all, regardless of position or wealth. I am reminded of the line from Animal Farm: "All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others".
Now I can appreciate that in emergencies, as part of their official duties, police can be exempt. But if this is a private call, because she can, then that ought to be illegal.
But it is not only in these situations where the law can be bent. If a doctor errs in diagnosis, there is a bevvy of lawyers ready to exact some penalty. But when courts get its wrong (inappropriate sentences, or releasing a person on bail so they can re-offend, etc) they are not held to account. In fact if you criticise the courts you can be held in contempt.
And if you can afford a high priced lawyer to defend you in whatever you have been charged with, I'm sure they can find extenuating circumstances that the poor fellow is unable to access.
So much for all being equal under the law!