MPs call for hands-free driving ban

Added: 11 September 2019

In Road Safety: driving while using a mobile phone, the Transport Committee says the evidence is clear: using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, with potentially catastrophic consequences. 

The Committee wants the Government to overhaul current laws on using hand-held mobile devices while driving, to cover use irrespective of whether this involves sending or receiving data.  As the evidence shows that using a hands-free device creates the same risks of crashing, the Committee also recommends that Government explores the options for extending the ban on hand-held devices to hands-free phones.

However, the rate of enforcement has plunged by more than two thirds since 2011.  Enforcing the law is essential to ensuring that drivers do not illegally use their mobile phone in their vehicle.  While the Committee says it welcomes the Government’s review of roads policing and traffic enforcement, its report calls on the Government to work with police to boost enforcement and make better use of technology. 

The penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving were increased in 2017 but still do not appear to be commensurate with the risk created and should be reviewed and potentially increased so that it is clear there are serious consequences to being caught, says the report. 

“Despite the real risk of catastrophic consequences for themselves, their passengers and other road users, far too many drivers continue to break the law by using hand-held mobile phones,” the Chair of the Committee, Lilian Greenwood, said.  “If mobile phone use while driving is to become as socially unacceptable as drink driving, much more effort needs to go into educating drivers.  Offenders also need to know there is a credible risk of being caught, and that there are serious consequences.

“There is also a misleading impression that hands-free use is safe.  The reality is that any use of a phone distracts from a driver’s ability to pay full attention and the Government should consider extending the ban to reflect this.

“Each death and serious injury which results from a driver using a mobile phone is entirely avoidable.  We need tougher restrictions, better enforcement and more education to make our roads safer for all.”

Article Author - Ignition - September 2019