Dangerously mobile

Are you guilty of using your mobile while on the road? If so, you’re not only putting yourself and others at risk of a fatal accident, you could also end up with a hefty fine. Plus dangerous driving could also affect your Car Insurance. Here’s why and how you need to avoid the distraction…

Research has demonstrated that driver reaction times when using a handheld phone are 30 per cent worse than when driving under the influence of alcohol at the legal limit. It also shows that using a mobile phone whilst driving could mean that you are four times more likely to be involved in an accident.

Observe the law

It is an offence to use a hand-held phone, or similar device, when driving. (A device is "similar" to a mobile phone if it performs an interactive communication function by transmitting and receiving data. Examples of interactive communication functions are sending and receiving spoken or written messages, sending or receiving still or moving images and providing access to the internet).

The fine for breaking this law is a £60 fixed penalty, 3 penalty points and up to £1,000 on conviction in court (£2,500 for drivers of heavy goods vehicles, buses or coaches). If an accident occurs, the resulting prosecution could be much worse, especially if someone is killed or hurt. Plus the emotional damage could be beyond compensation.

While many people have taken the law into account, many are still ignoring its serious message. Many believe that swapping to a hands-free phone is the ideal compromise. Using a hands-free device is not prohibited, but the new law states that drivers still risk prosecution (for ‘failure to have proper control’ as outlined in the Highway Code) if they use a hands-free phone when driving. Again, the outcome could be far worse in the event of a related incident, where a driver could be prosecuted for careless or dangerous driving.

Put safety first

In accordance with the law, you should not use a hand-held phone at all when driving a car. So if your phone rings, ignore it and call back when you arrive at your destination or find a safe place to park. With most phone companies, voicemail is free, so it shouldn’t cost you more to listen to your message. If you’re worried about money, adjust your voicemail message so that it asks the caller to ring you back.

Similarly, if someone texts or emails you, don’t be tempted to have a quick look. Remember this is prohibited as ‘interactive communication’. Texting and emailing also requires using your hands more and therefore could prove even more dangerous than using your phone.

It is also prohibited to use your phone while stuck in a traffic jam. If your engine is on, then you are classed as ‘driving’. This is because you still need to be aware of other traffic. Only under very rare circumstances where a prolonged traffic jam determined that you should turn your engine off, would you be exempt from this rule.

If you are teaching someone else to drive, you are also subject to the new law. This is for your and the other driver’s protection plus other drivers on the road. Teaching someone to drive requires your full concentration.

The only time you are allowed to use a phone when driving, is in an emergency when there is nowhere safe to stop. However, it is not advised. If you can pull over and use your mobile in a safe parking spot. Or, if on the motorway, use the emergency phones provided to call 999. These make it easier to pinpoint your location anyway.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to cradle your phone in your neck, thereby avoiding using your hands to take a call. This can seriously limit your movement and judgement. Really the best thing to do is to turn your phone off completely for the duration of your journey.

For more advice, including downloadable PDF leaflets that you can print out and circulate among friends or at work you can visit www.dft.gov.uk under ‘Road Safety’ or Think! Road Safety. For a list of other distractions that could render you ‘without proper control’ and subject to prosecution – including eating and drinking, listening to music, trying to read a map or tuning the radio – visit highwaycode.co.uk.

Direct Line customers should also remember that road safety is paramount under the terms of your Car Insurance. The safer you are the less likely you are to have an accident. While every year you don’t claim we give you No Claims Discount up to nine years. You can find out more about No Claims Discount from our Car Insurance Policy documents online and under Extras. You’ll also find details of our Car Insurance Discounts, the Types of Car Insurance we offer and Claims Information.