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Mobile phone safety
Changes in the law
Since 27 February 2007, anyone caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving will be awarded three penalty points and a fine of £60, and if convicted in court, the maximum fine is £1,000 (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches).
Hands-free kits are allowed under the changed legislation if the driver does not have to pick up the handset to operate it, however the police are able to stop motorists who are using hands-free kits if it appears they are driving without due care and attention.
It's not worth it
Figures from the Department for Transport show that four-out-of-five motorists either own or have access to a mobile phone, highlighting how potentially widespread mobile phone use behind the wheel is. It is essential that motorists are aware of the law, not only to avoid prosecution, but also for the safety of themselves and other road users. It can be tempting to answer a call when driving, but the distraction is not worth the risk, and ignorance is no defence for motorists caught using a hand-held mobile on the move.
Department for Transport statistics show that 13 people were killed and more than 300 were injured in crashes involving drivers using hand-held mobile phones in 2005.
Use it safely
While mobile phones on the move can offer benefits, such as the ability to call for assistance in the event of a breakdown, Green Flag offers the following advice to motorists to promote safe mobile phone use.
- Keep your phone on voicemail when driving.
- If you need to make a call, or check your messages, stop and park up in a safe place and switch off your engine first.
- If you feel you really must make or receive phone calls, stick to using a hands-free kit with a cradle, and keep your conversation brief.
- Tell the person calling you that you are driving so they understand your need to concentrate.
- Avoid long complex conversations. Instead, tell the person you will call back when you have parked up safely.
- Remember, it is an offence for employers to encourage motorists to use their mobile phones when driving, so do not feel obliged to answer or make work-related phone calls while driving.
- Never stop on the hard shoulder of the motorway to use a mobile phone unless it is an emergency.
- In the case of an emergency it is better to use the roadside emergency phones situated along the hard shoulder if possible, as this will make it easier to trace your location and reach you quickly.
- If you are an employer and your staff drive for work purposes, make sure your risk management procedures include policy on mobile phone use which reflects the change in law.
