The ultimate penalty for driving and phoning

With increased penalties for using a hand held mobile phone while driving less than a month away, LARSOA and RoSPA are warning motorists and businesses of the consequences of flouting the law.

LARSOA is warning motorists that the ultimate penalty for motorists could be death.

David Frost, spokesman, says: "Using a phone in any form while driving is putting both yourself and other road users at risk. Driving requires a huge amount of concentration just to navigate the hazards and other traffic; it is not something which should be done on automatic pilot while you concentrate on a phone call."

In line with the THINK! campaign, LARSOA urges drivers to switch off their mobile phones when they get in the car - and make use of voicemail so they are not tempted to answer it.

David Frost adds: "Using any type of mobile phone, even hands-free, slows your reaction time to a hazard more than if you were driving under the influence of alcohol. Driving after drinking too much alcohol is unacceptable but people have to understand that using a mobile while driving is equally unacceptable."

RoSPA has warned employers to be sure they are not falling foul of the law.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: "Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees and other road users by having policies in place to ban the use of mobiles while driving for business. Hands-free kits are not the answer because the conversation still significantly distracts drivers and takes their attention away from the road.  

"Employers (also) have a responsibility under health and safety law to manage the risks faced by their employees on the road - and one of the biggest risks they face is using a mobile phone at the wheel. Bosses could be in trouble under health and safety laws if the use of a phone contributed to an accident."

RoSPA offers help to firms wanting to tackle issues surrounding work-related road safety. Its guidance documents on managing occupational road risk, which include assistance with mobile phone policies, are available at: http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/info/workmobiles.pdf

01.01.07 - Mobile phones - detailed plans unveiled

18.12.06 - THINK! publishes mobiles guidance

04.12.06 - Too many motorists still flouting phone law - LARSOA