Drivers who use mobile phones at the wheel face twice the punishment
On the 1st March 2017 a new law came into force that will double the penalties for being caught driving whilst using a mobile phone. The now outdated penalty for being caught on a mobile phone whilst driving was three penalty points on your licence and a £100 fine.
Under the new legislation the punishment has been increased by double to reflect the level of danger mobile phone use causes whilst driving. If you are caught using a mobile while driving it will now get you six points on your licence and cost you £200.
It has been proven that drivers who are distracted by their mobile devices are far more likely to cause serious road accidents, even more-so than drink driving. Police forces across the country have launched campaigns to raise awareness of the new law and are urging motorists to refrain from using mobile phones or internet enabled devices while driving.
It only takes a split-second lapse in concentration to cause a serious road accident and the risk this poses to pedestrians, other drivers, your passengers and yourself as a driver has been judged to require a greater punishment for breaking the law in this manner.
If a driver isn't fully concentrating they will fail to anticipate the road ahead and have reduced hazard perception making them much more likely to cause casualties on the road, in a similar way to drink-driving.
Do not multi-task while driving. There are numerous activities that will affect your driving performance, including…
- Talking on a phone, even hands free
- Texting
- Emailing
- Adjusting a Sat Nav
- Eating
- Drinking
- Smoking
A driver must be in control of their vehicle at all times according to the law and any moment where they are not in control means they can be guilty of an offence.
Remember to drive safe and put your mobile phone away.