Mobile Phones
Follow these simple steps to stay the right side of the law and to stay alive:
The facts
- You are four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone while driving
- Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than normal driving
- Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash
The law
- It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile when driving on the road. If you are caught, you could be fined and lose your licence and your insurance premiums could go up.
Our advice
- Don’t make or answer calls when you’re driving. All phone calls distract the driver’s attention from the road
- It’s illegal to use a hand-held mobile when driving on the road even if you’ve stopped at traffic lights or are stuck in a traffic jam or in a car park. All these situations are covered by the legal definition of ‘driving on the road’.
- Park safely before using your mobile phone. Do not park on the hard shoulder of the motorway
- Don’t call other people when they’re driving. If you call someone and they tell you they are driving; ask them to call you back when they have parked up safely.
