Is it ok to read a book whilst driving if you are stopped at the lights and in slow moving traffic?

[nilling]

I watched a woman driver hit the car in front in slow moving traffic as she tried to get something out of the glove box, multitasking is a myth! Cannot wait for Google Glasses

 

[Hip Priest]

If people want to read or use a smartphone whilst commuting, they should take the bus or train.

 

[mcshroom]

Never mind stationary: -

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/reckless-motorist-pictured-playing-ipad-1886150

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Driving has become a secondary concern these days. Saw a white van being driven by wrist contact last night. Even the one fist at 12 o'clock is becoming too much.

Wrist contact is near full contact - The "steer with your knees whilst rolling a fag" is an ancient artform

Did I mention I dislike much that parades itself as art?

I guess stationary is one thing but you have to know the reason. I'll happily sit and do an entire crossword on my mobile at Hawthorne Ave level crossing in Hull post-match as I know it can be 7-10 minutes if I have approached whilst the barriers are lowering (though the engine will also be off usually - the only exception is if it's mid-winter and cold, so the engine will be providing heat)

Technically the second is illegal but I am a great believer in the importance of context - the engine off is a clear legal definition that removes unprovable arguments about if the handbrake was on, if the vehicle was in gear with clutch depressed etc.

 

[Matthew_T]

Anything except your full concentration on driving whilst driving should be illegal.

Smoking/lighting a fag is just as bad as being on the phone or reading something.
Having earphones in is just as bad as having the radio at full blast.

Amazingly my instructor said it would be okay if I had the radio on in the car during my test of it was very quiet. I still wouldnt do this as it would probably make me lose concentration. It just amazes me how people can believe that driving whilst doing other things is a smart idea. Even when stopped at lights, you still need to know what is happening around you.

 

[campbellab]

Should be illegal, 30 seconds dipping into a good book can't do it justice.