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.
"So police can use the phone while driving yet we get [a] big fine for doing the same #policehypocrisy," wrote one person on Twitter.
"If I did the same I would be fined four demerit points and a fine $455 [sic]. Talk about a clear double standard," wrote another.
But the NSW police force has denied any wrongdoing by the officer.
"It's legal," a spokesperson told the Daily Mail. "Police and all emergency services are exempt from that road rule."
According to NSW road rules, it is illegal for a driver to use their phone while driving or while their car is stationary but not parked.
You are only allowed to use your phone if it is in a phone mount, rendering it hands-free.
Police and other emergency vehicles are exempt from this rule though.
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!