Jackie ‘O’ Henderson cops backlash for saying it should be legal to text and use your phone while stopped at traffic lights
Radio host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson is facing backlash for saying it should be legal for drivers to use their phone and send texts while stopped at traffic lights.
While she made it clear drivers should never use their phone when the car is moving, the 45-year-old told New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian there should be some leeway for when motorists are bored waiting at the lights.
Her comments on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Thursday have since angered fans, with many flocking to Facebook to say her remarks were irresponsible.
Road rules: Jackie ‘O’ Henderson (pictured) told NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Thursday that it should be legal to text while stopped at traffic lights
One listener said it was a ‘dumb’, while another pointed out that Jackie wasn’t setting the best example as someone who is listened to by thousands people driving to work every the morning.
A third fan questioned whether Jackie was even a regular driver, given that her remarks were so baffling.
‘She is Either not a driver or a very poor driver! Silly Nut,’ they wrote.
Another added: ‘Fine role model for young people, NOT!’
Backlash: Followers dubbed the media personality’s comments as ‘dumb’, while some questioned her driving skills
Others questioned how Jackie would react if she was stuck behind someone who was distracted by her phone at the lights.
‘Would love to see someone in front of her at the lights sending a text and they ain’t paying attention,’ they wrote.
During her appearance on Thursday’s show, Ms Berejiklian warned Sydneysiders that there ‘will be cameras there if you’re on the phone’ as well as ‘extra monitoring’ on NSW roads in the coming weeks.
Criticism: The 45-year-old copped plenty of backlash from fans, with manly flocking to Facebook to share their thoughts on her comments
Even though her co-host Kyle Sandilands agreed with Ms Berejiklian that there should be ‘no phones’ in the car at any time, Jackie had a different opinion.
‘I’m not on the phone ever, I’m a big believer in no phones while driving. Definitely no texting,’ Kyle explained.
‘Because every traffic light you go to turn right at, every single person is on their phone.’
Laying down the law: Ms Berejiklian didn’t agree, and warned that there ‘will be cameras there if you’re on the phone’ as well as ‘extra monitoring’ on NSW roads in the coming weeks
‘That’s okay, you give them a little toot,’ Jackie added, defending those who glance at their phones at red lights.
Ms Berejiklian scolded her, saying: ‘No, the distraction’s really bad.’
Jackie clarified that she wasn’t advocating for texting while driving, but said it’s okay to look at your phone briefly while stopped at a light.
‘I agree whilst driving, but don’t you think while were sitting at traffic lights with nothing to do, we can’t just look at something?’ she asked.
‘I’m not on the phone ever’: Kyle Sandilands strongly disagreed with Jackie, telling her that phones should be out of view at all times while driving