We should all be aware of the dangers of using a hand held mobile device whilst driving, given the drastic impact it has on concentration levels.
Hand-held and Hands-Free Calling Driving Laws
As of 2017, if you are caught using a mobile device whilst driving you can face tough penalties: 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. These sanctions currently only apply to hand held mobile devices, not hand free systems.
Increased Questions Over Hands-Free Phones
There have been recent calls by insurer Zurich, amongst others, to take this even further and place a ban on all use of mobile devices, even those which are hands free.
This is something that our Director, Steve Green, fully concurs with given the effects that using a mobile device, whether hand held or hands free, has on the driver’s concentration on the road and the fact that it is a major cause of distracted driving.
According to many insurers, distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents and collisions. It is even thought by some that distracted driving could be even more dangerous than drink driving. Steve adds “Usage of hand held mobile devices remains high despite stronger penalties introduced in 2017. So, it is apparent that something does need to change with regard to the regulation surrounding mobile usage – both hand held and hands free.”
Impact on Professional Drivers & Fleet Managers
Mobile usage is also something that Steve is passionate about fleet managers staying ahead of. “There are serious implications to both the individual and the organisation if a driver is involved in a collision which results in a fatality if there is careless or dangerous driving or avoidable distraction involved. As an employer you should be doing everything in your power to ensure your drivers stay safe, both to protect themselves and other road users. Don’t encourage your drivers to make work calls, or use their vehicle as a mobile office, have technology in place to track your driver’s behaviour and ensure that your culture promotes a strong sense of the importance of health and safety.”
Read Steve’s thoughts on the issue of driver distraction caused by a mobile phones.
At Anthony Jones we work closely with insurers across the industry and believe that data is key when it comes to addressing issues surrounding the causes of road traffic accidents, particularly if it results in a reduction of casualties. As a fleet manager, if you have any questions about risk management then do get in touch with us today – as well as arranging fleet insurance, helping businesses with their risk management strategy is a big part of the service we offer. Call us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
