Help
Loading...
Road Safety Adversely Impacted By Mobile Phones
| Published: 5th November 2018 17:24 |
Mobile phones have made communication easier than ever before. In many ways, mobile technology helps keep people safe. In the event of a crash or a crime, people will be able to quickly reach out to emergency services. There is also the convenience of being available to communicate with medical professionals or your boss at any time.
Unfortunately, mobile phones also create new safety hazards, especially when it comes to the operation of a motor vehicle. As mobile phone use has become standard, more people expect instant responses and constant communication. That can leave many to feel like they have to respond instantly to messages or emails. All too often, that can include when someone is in control of a motor vehicle. While UK law penalises handheld use of mobile devices in a vehicle, many people still engage in this dangerous practice.
UK Law Assigns Fines and Other Penalties to Mobile Phone Use
Getting caught with a mobile phone in your hands at the wheel can have major consequences for drivers. The fines can be as much as £200, with the additional potential for six points added to your license.
Habitual or flagrant offenders may even end up summoned to court, where they could face fines of up to £1,000 and other consequences. Professionals driving buses or commercial goods can face even harsher penalties. Law enforcement across the UK have made efforts to crack down on distracted drivers and keep everyone safe on the road. Anyone with a phone in their hands or a sat nav in their hands is subject to potential citation. Even those using mobile phones to pay at fast food restaurants could face criminal penalties.
Manually Handling Mobile Devices Is a Dangerous Distraction
While constant communication may make your job easier, it doesn't make your driving safer. Taking your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road could make the difference between safely arriving at your destination and causing a life-altering collision. Looking down at your phone, inputting a destination on a navigation system, or typing a message can mean travelling long distances without monitoring road conditions.
The end result is slower response time and a greater risk of causing an accident by failing to notice something, like a pedestrian stepping out in front of you. The risk for a collision is 400% higher for those engaged in mobile phone or sat nav distractions while at the wheel of a vehicle. Unfortunately, many people seem to believe that they can safely use mobile phones or satellite navigation systems while in control of a vehicle.
The law on mobile devices in the UK is very clear. The only option you have for legally composing a text message or utilising a navigation system is a hands-free system. Whether you use voice commands routed through your vehicle or a Bluetooth system, you must keep your hands on the wheel or face consequences. The enforcement of these rules helps keep everyone on the road safer and reduces the potential for serious collisions.
Report this article as inappropriate
Comments
You need to log in before you can do that! It's only a quick registration process to join the AMA network and completely free.
Help