Dying to take that call?

Sorry about the lack of NEWS on the site. Illness and other things happening have kept me away from the office. I make no such apologies for going on about driving and phones.

Mobile phones and driving don't mix!!!!!!!!!!

Mobile phones have many benefits. They provide security and can be a great help in an emergency. but tests have shown a driver cannot help being distracted by a phone call or text message. Just watch the car in front weaving from side to side. One moment touching the centre line, the next nearly hitting the kerb. He / she is probable on the phone.

Points on your licence

It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving and the penalties are now a £60 fine and three penalty points on your licence.

Why have the penalties gone up?

Surveys show that over 90% of respondents say it should be illegal to use a hand held phone while driving. But surveys also show that more than 25% admit to doing it

It is hard to do two things at once and research has shown that if you are using a mobile phone while driving you are FOUR times more likely to have a crash.

In fact if you use any type of phone (hands free or hand held) while driving, your reaction times are worse than if you are driving under the influence of alcohol.                                  Reaction times for drivers using a hand held phone are 30% worse than for driving while drunk. They were nearly 50% worse than when driving under normal conditions.

This is all reflected in the growing number of news stories about serious accidents caused by drivers who are not able to concentrate on the road, because they were using a mobile phone.

How does the law apply?                                                                                                                                                           While driving, you will be braking the law if you pick up or use any type of phone that is, or must be, held to operate it. For example, this means you may not use your mobile phone:-

When stopped at traffic lights;

when you are queueing in traffic;

To receive calls, pictures, text messages or to access the Internet.

IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER, YOU CAN BE PROSECUTED IF YOU REQUIRE YOUR EMPLOYEES TO MAKE OR RECEIVE CALLS WHILE DRIVING. 

(If your engine is running and you use the phone it will cost you three penalty points)

We are all responsible for safety on the roads. If you make a call to someone and realise they are driving, stop the call and speak to them later. You cannot see the hazards or judge the road conditions while you are talking to the driver.

SWITCH OFF BEFORE YOU DRIVE OFF