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Text message kills policeman

Graeme Wearden ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 24 Aug 2000 16:24 BST

An inquest today heard that a policeman died in a car crash after reading a text message on his mobile phone.

PC Darren Riley was driving to work in heavy rain when the message arrived. He didn't have a hands free set, and had to press ten buttons to read the message. Seconds later, his car left the road and hit a tree. PC Riley had recently received a bravery award after disarming a man wielding a machete.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents claims that at least 14 drivers have died because of inappropriate mobile phone use. The inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death.

From the tabloids to the PC press, it's the odd and the bizarre risks that catch our attention, while the mundane risks of life hardly register. Andy Redfern argues that your mobile phone may well kill you, but he doesn't believe it'll be cancer from radiation. Go to AnchorDesk UK for the news comment.

What do you think? Tell the Mailroom. And read what others have said.

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