Are You the Type to Use Your Mobile Phone While Driving

The law was changed in 2003 to penalise all drivers who use a handheld mobile phone whilst driving. Before this law was introduced, drivers could only be prosecuted if using a mobile phone while driving caused them to lose control of their car. Since February 2007, the fine has risen to £60 and if you are taken to court, you may have to pay up to £1000. You will also have 3 penalty points endorsed on your licence should you be caught. While it is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving, you can still use hands free communication. Just make sure that a cradle is clearly displayed on the dashboard holding the mobile phone. You can still be fined if a police officer thinks that the hands free is making you drive carelessly.

Although there is a law banning the use of using mobile phones when driving, there are still many people who choose to ignore this. I can't recall the amount of times I've nearly had an accident because of careless drivers talking on their mobiles.

Why is talking on your mobile dangerous as a driver?

• If someone is calling you, they are distracting you from concentrating on the road ahead which may cause accidents.
• Using a mobile phone whilst driving will slow down your reaction time.
• By calling someone on your mobile when you are driving, you are causing serious danger to all those around you.

The only exemption to using a mobile phone when driving is if it would be unsafe to stop. In that case, you are only permitted to call emergency services on 999 or 112.

Just remember that if you are involved in an accident and the police decide to check your mobile phone records to find that you were using your mobile phone when you were driving, you could also get a fine, extra penalty points on your licence and may even go to prison. Your insurance will also not pay out for any damages should you be caught driving when using a mobile phone and your premiums will go up and you will still lose your no claims bonus.

Safety is important on the roads, so choose either to drive or talk on your phone but not both at the same time.