As experienced drivers, we often believe there is nothing we don't know about the roads. But to drive home these facts is to help save lives. Take a look, you might just be surprised.
- Hands-free mobiles - they maybe legal but does this mean they are safe to use whilst driving? Research clearly shows that the distractive affect of a phone conversation, even on a hands-free phone, will slow your reaction time significantly.
- It is an offence for a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst the vehicle is stationary with the engine running, in a lay-by, at traffic lights or at the side of road.
- Texting and Internet use hold the same penalties as making or taking a call.
- Potential consequences of mobile phone use whilst driving are severe - £60 fine and 3 penalty points, criminal record, serious crash. Should the Court feel that mobile phone use has contributed to a serious crash, the punishment could include imprisonment.
- Using a mobile phone whilst driving impairs reaction time, will lead to poorer judgement of speed and distance and reduces your field of vision.
- Hand-held or Hands-free? - the main problem with drivers using mobile phones isn't specifically that they may not have full control over their vehicle, e.g. only one hand on the steering wheel, but more that your attention and concentration is not fully where it needs to be; on driving.
- Isn't it the same as talking to a passenger? - Many drivers convince themselves that a chat on the phone is just like a chat with a passenger, but these situations are very different. A passenger will stop distracting you if they know a hazard is approaching - someone on the other end of the phone could never know this.
- The Police are ready; they are looking and waiting for offenders.
- Driving erratically, late braking, poor lane discipline, constant changes in speed both up and down - other road users can spot when someone is driving and using a mobile, and so can the police.
