Use of mobile phones whilst driving
Research has shown that drivers’ reaction times when using any type of mobile phone whilst driving can be worse than those of someone driving under the influence of alcohol. In an attempt to tackle the problem, the Government has increased the penalties for using hand-held mobile phones whilst driving. Offenders will be fined £60 and receive three penalty points on their driving licence.
In addition a driver will be liable to prosecution for the more serious offences of careless driving or dangerous driving where it can be shown that a collision or poor driving was caused by failure to have proper control of the vehicle because of some distracting activity, such as taking or receiving a phone call even if via a hands-free phone.
Furthermore employers could face prosecution for causing or permitting these offences by providing hands free phone kits in company cars for staff to use. Employers should ensure that they have clear written policies on the use of mobile phones at work.
Internal links
FTA Services
Member Advice Centre
FTA Products
Mobile phone drivers' cards
Mobile phone sticker
External links
Crown Prosecution Service's Policy for prosecuting cases of bad driving