Concern as drivers continue to flout mobile phone laws
This week marks the first anniversary of the introduction of tougher mobile phone laws and Warwickshire County Council remains concerned that many motorists are continuing to make and receive calls while behind the wheel.
The county’s Road Safety team says this is putting themselves and other road users at unnecessary risk on Warwickshire’s roads.
Legislation introduced on 27 February 2007 increased the penalty for using a hand-held phone while driving from a £30 fine to a £60 fine and 3 penalty points. If the case goes to court the penalty could increase to a maximum £1,000 fine, which rises to £2,500 for the driver of a bus, coach, or heavy goods vehicle.
However, it appears that even the threat of penalty points and fines isn’t putting some drivers off using their mobile phones.
Research shows that you are up to four times more likely than normal to have a crash when you are using a mobile phone because your attention is diverted away from your driving and what’s happening around you. Other research shows that a driver’s reaction times are up to 50 per cent slower than normal when driving using a mobile time (Direct Line Mobile Phone Report 2002).
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “I regularly see motorists driving with a mobile phone glued to their ear. It is astounding that drivers are willing to allow themselves to be distracted from the task at hand by making or taking mobile phone calls or texts.
“Driving safely requires complete focus and if you are using a phone you are not concentrating sufficiently on your driving. Even a split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
“The message is simple. It is dangerous and illegal to use a hand held mobile while driving. The best advice to all drivers is to switch off your mobile phone before you drive off.”
A driver can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free device if they are not in proper control of their vehicle when using the device. The penalties are the same - £60 fine and three penalty points.
Employers can be prosecuted if they require employees to make or receive mobile calls while driving. It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle.
Callers also play an important role in keeping the roads safe. If the person you are speaking to is driving, please terminate the call and arrange to speak to them later.