Does not matter how people on this forum should feel about it.
(...)
not the opinions of people on a internet forum.
I agree with what your saying in principle and there are many people on here who's opinions I couldn't give a toss about. However it does have other industry professionals with whom I can converse on a professional opinion and can give an alternative viewpoint. They also highlight points that I miss or overlook.
Other than industry professionals there are many people who are quite conversant with various legislation, other industries, and have a lot more technical knowledge than I.
The passenger perspective is just as important too. There are folks out there who will report a Driver for being on his mobile phone but do so without any form of context. Isn't the point of discussion to change that ignorance ?
One of the main drivers for change is how each TOC approaches the rulebook and various PDP's. The problem is that one rule doesn't suit every TOC and is a reason why the rule book has been evolving to its current form.
When I contacted the RSSB recently it was because I had an opinion that others shared and was not specifically mine. I gained that from listening to others, I just chose to act on it rather than bitch in the crew room. A forum is no different and this forum has a wide range of Drivers.
I can understand why some mobiles are outright banned, as highlighted, there is a Guard on board. DOO Vs Guards.... FIGHT !! ! ! ! I don't have the luxury of a Guard helping out. Mobiles are beneficial on a DOO train.