Mobile Phones

You’ve seen the hard-hitting adverts and you’ve probably heard some of the statistics, but the risk of talking on your mobile whilst driving can’t be emphasised enough.

It seems so trivial to answer a quick call during your drive and most people perceive virtually no risk in doing so. Research however contests this, with some rather frightening stats.

Mobiles are a great help, especially when stuck in an emergency, but numerous test have shown that drivers can’t help but be distracted by a phone call or a text message. Once distracted, your reaction time decreases dramatically and believe it or not, a conversation on a hands-free phone is no less distracting than using a handheld one.

To see how distracting using a mobile phone can be whilst driving, try this Driving Challenge game on the THINK! Direct gov website.

The Law

It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving. If you are caught you could be fined, you could lose your licence, and your insurance costs could go up. But worse still is the risk you are imposing on the life of yourself and others.

How Does the Law Apply?

When driving, you are breaking the law if you pick up or use any type of phone which requires being handheld in order to operate. For example, you may not use your phone:

• When you are stopped at traffic lights.

• When you are queuing in traffic.

• In order to send/receive pictures or text messages.

• To access the internet.

If you are an employer you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive calls while driving.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes – a driver may use their mobile phone to make an emergency call to 999 or 112 when it is unsafe or impractical to stop to make the call.

The Facts

• You’re 4 times more likely to crash if you use a mobile while driving.

• Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than when driving normally.

• Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a car crash.