999 puzzle

[smouse]

Why do some people dial 999 with their index finger and some with their third finger?

[boxtops]

Do they? How do you know? who dials these days anyway, 999 is bottom right on my phone's keyboard.

[ladyalex]

Some people are right handed and some left.

[nescio]

I tend to dial (both old-fashioned dial and keypad) with my middle finger

[smouse]

Its a riddle from a quiz it isnt a fact sorry for confusion but I did put it in riddle section

[TheWinner]

To call the emergency services.

[shooty]

i'm a 1 fingered typist. would it have something to do with a qwerty keyboard ?

[whitehill]

Because they need the emergency services?

[wiltsman]

^ ^ ^ I think 'whitehill' has got the right answer!

[squarebear]

Because they have cut their index finger off and are phoning for an ambulance?

[ladyalex]

My answer was perfectly serious.
I think it has something to do with being able to locate the 9 on the dial in the dark.
It is next to the last hole (the 0). Next to that is the stoppery-bit.
I think you were supposed to feel for the stopper, then count to the 9 using first your middle finger in the 0, then your index finger..this only works if you are right handed and dialling with your right hand.
If you are left handed, you would use your index finger as the guide and dial with your middle finger.
Of course, this may all be bunkum and the answer may well be 'to dial the emergency services' or 'because they don't have an index finger'.
Please post the answer when you find out.

[DaisyNonna]

By which time it is probably too late.

[ladyalex]

Always the optimist, Daisy...

[smouse]

I'll let you all know and thanks for trying

[ladyalex]

Thanks smouse. This one will drive me nuts until I know the answer.

[needawin]

I think you need to get out more.

[Psybbo]

Because they can.

[boxtops]

You're right, ladyalex, on a old dial telephone.

I can only assume that thewinner and whitehill have the correct answer for this riddle!

[ladyalex]

Have you found the answer to this one yet ?

[smouse]

I have the answer they wanted today but its nonsense
It says to ring the emergency services

[ladyalex]

Thank you , smouse.
That answer is indeed nonsense. I don't think I would be doing this setter's quizzes again.