Drive Responsibly
Phones in cars can have many benefits. They provide security and
help in an emergency. However, they are distracting if used when
driving and this increases the risk of a crash. It is hard to do
two things at once and to drive safely you must concentrate on the
road.
Switch Off Before You Drive Off
It is now illegal to
use a hand-held mobile phone when driving, even when you are
stopped at traffic lights or in a queue of traffic. This includes
making or receiving calls, pictures, text messaging or accessing
the Internet. You must pull over to a safe location.
Risk using a
hand-held mobile phone when driving, and you risk a fine.
Mobile Phones and the Law
Tough new penalties for using hand held mobile phones
came in to effect from midnight on February 27th 2007.
Although it was already illegal to use a hand held mobile phone
whilst driving, the previous penalty was a mere £30 fine and wasn’t
endorsable.
The offences of using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving
and failing to have proper control of a vehicle have now become
endorsable. Drivers now automatically have their licence
endorsed with three penalty points and receive a £60 fine – double
the previous charge.
Any cases that reach court could involve discretionary
disqualification and a maximum fine of £1,000 - or £2,500 in the
case of the driver of a bus, coach or goods vehicle.
Drive carelessly or dangerously when using any phone and the
penalties can include disqualification, a large fine, and up to two
years imprisonment.
View the Government Legislation on mobile
phones.
Drivers
Even if you are a
careful driver, you will still be distracted by a phone call or
text message. Your concentration and anticipation will be
affected.
-
It is illegal to use
a hand-held mobile phone when driving.
-
Keep your mobile
phone switched off when driving and use your voicemail, a message
service, or call diversion, so that messages can be left for you
when your phone is switched off.
-
Only use your mobile
phone after you have stopped in a safe place. Never stop on the
hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency.
-
You may think a
hands-free phone will enable you to have control of your vehicle,
but your mind will not be fully on your driving. It is not like
talking to a passenger who is aware of the traffic conditions and
can see what is happening when you are driving.
-
Avoid taking calls
on a hands-free phone. But if you must, say you are driving and end
the conversation quickly. Otherwise you will put yourself and other
road users at risk.
-
You may use a mobile
phone when driving for help in an emergency. On a motorway it is
best to use a roadside emergency telephone, as the emergency
services will be able to locate you easily.
Employers
- Do not ask your staff to make or receive calls when they are
driving.
-
As an employer you
may also be prosecuted if you require your employees to use a
mobile phone when
driving*.
-
If it is essential
for your staff to be contacted when they are driving, tell them to
use voice mail, a message service or call diversion and to stop
regularly to check messages and return calls
* It is an
offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when
driving or to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control
of a vehicle.
More Information
If you would like more information on the Mobile Phone Law ,
please contact:
The Road Safety Team on 01225 394259 or email Transportation@bathnes.gov.uk
