Information
Mobile Phones
Research suggests that if you are using a mobile phone while driving you are four times more likely to have a crash.
Other research has shown that driver's reaction times are up to 50% slower than normal when driving and using a mobile phone and that your reaction times are 30% worse than when driving under the influence of alcohol.
It is dangerous because a telephone conversation (or texting) distracts from the mental concentration needed to drive safely. You put yourself and other road users in danger.
And mobile phones are a danger not only for drivers, but as this advert demonstrates for pedestrians as well:
What is the law about mobile phones while driving?
It is illegal to drive a vehicle or ride a motorbike and use a hand held mobile phone or similar device. It is also illegal to supervise a learner and use a hand-held phone. Hands-free phones are also a distraction and you risk prosecution for not having proper control of a vehicle if the police see you driving poorly while using one.
It is illegal to drive a vehicle or ride a motorbike and use a hand held mobile phone or similar device. It is also illegal to supervise a learner and use a hand-held phone. Hands-free phones are also a distraction and you risk prosecution for not having proper control of a vehicle if the police see you driving poorly while using one.
- A hand held device is something that "is or must be held at some point during the course of making or receiving a call or performing any other interactive communication function.
- A device "similar" to a mobile phone includes a device that can be used for sending or receiving spoken or written messages, sending or receiving still or moving images or providing Internet access.
If you accept a roadside fixed penalty notice, you will receive 3 points on your licence and a fine of £60. If a case goes to court, in addition to points, you could face discretionary disqualification on top a maximum fine of £1,000 (or £2,500 in the case of drivers of buses/coaches and goods vehicles).
What should you do?
Probably the best course of action is to turn your mobile phone off; then it will not cause a distraction and you will not be tempted to use it. Even when using a phone ‘hands-free’ there is an increased risk of distraction and your responses to hazards on the road are slower.
If you are an employer you have a responsibility for the safety and welfare of your staff, so ensure that they know to turn their phones off when driving. If they are using a phone whilst driving for work, you could be liable.
If you need to use your phone, find a safe place to stop. Do not use the phone whilst in traffic and do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway.
For more information on the dangers of mobile phone us and the law please visit the DfT’s Think! Website
