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The law and why you should not touch your phone while driving
Voice Decline Team · 2023-03-12
Don't drive and use your phone under any circumstances, except in emergencies.
Is it illegal to touch your phone while driving?
Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. We use them for communication, entertainment, work and even navigation. However, there is one place where phones should never be used: behind the wheel. Using a phone while driving can be extremely dangerous, and it puts both the driver and others on the road at risk. In this blog post, we'll explore why we should never touch our phones while driving.
More than 50 drivers a day are still being caught using their mobiles at the wheel – putting lives at risk!
Distraction and delayed reaction time
When you're driving, your attention should be solely focused on the road. However, using a phone while driving can distract you from the task at hand. A simple glance at your phone can take your eyes off the road for a few seconds, which is enough time for an accident to occur. Studies show that texting while driving can increase your chances of an accident by 23 times!
Moreover, using your phone while driving can lead to delayed reaction time. Even if you take your eyes off the road briefly, it may take several seconds for your brain to fully process the situation. This reduces your ability to respond quickly to hazards.
Legal Consequences
Using your phone while driving is illegal in many countries, including the UK. You can be fined or even face jail time. If you cause an accident while using your phone, you may be held liable for damages or injuries.
Alternatives
If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over safely first. You can also use hands-free devices or rely on navigation systems with voice guidance. For private hire and food delivery drivers, the Voice Decline App provides a safe way to manage tasks without touching your phone.
Conclusion
Using your phone while driving is dangerous and illegal. Even a momentary distraction can have catastrophic consequences. Use alternatives to communicate or navigate safely. Safety should always be the top priority.
UK LAW INFORMATION
Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving:
It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data while driving.
This includes:
• Texting
• Making calls
• Taking photos or videos
• Browsing the web
The law also applies when:
• Stopped at traffic lights
• Queuing in traffic
• Supervising a learner driver
• Driving a car with stop/start technology
• The device is offline or in flight mode
Exceptions (allowed only when):
• Calling 999 or 112 in an emergency when stopping is unsafe
• You are safely parked
• Making a contactless payment at a drive-through while stationary
• Using the device to park the vehicle remotely
Hands-Free Use:
You may use:
• Bluetooth headset
• Voice commands
• Dashboard/holder mounts
• Built-in navigation systems
The device must not block your view of the road.
Penalties:
• £200 fine + 6 penalty points for holding or using a device while driving
• Lose licence if within 2 years of passing test
• Up to £1,000 fine (£2,500 for lorry/bus drivers)
• Possible driving ban
Remember: Stay in full control of your vehicle at all times.
Is it illegal to touch your phone while driving?
Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. We use them for communication, entertainment, work and even navigation. However, there is one place where phones should never be used: behind the wheel. Using a phone while driving can be extremely dangerous, and it puts both the driver and others on the road at risk. In this blog post, we'll explore why we should never touch our phones while driving.
More than 50 drivers a day are still being caught using their mobiles at the wheel – putting lives at risk!
Distraction and delayed reaction time
When you're driving, your attention should be solely focused on the road. However, using a phone while driving can distract you from the task at hand. A simple glance at your phone can take your eyes off the road for a few seconds, which is enough time for an accident to occur. Studies show that texting while driving can increase your chances of an accident by 23 times!
Moreover, using your phone while driving can lead to delayed reaction time. Even if you take your eyes off the road briefly, it may take several seconds for your brain to fully process the situation. This reduces your ability to respond quickly to hazards.
Legal Consequences
Using your phone while driving is illegal in many countries, including the UK. You can be fined or even face jail time. If you cause an accident while using your phone, you may be held liable for damages or injuries.
Alternatives
If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over safely first. You can also use hands-free devices or rely on navigation systems with voice guidance. For private hire and food delivery drivers, the Voice Decline App provides a safe way to manage tasks without touching your phone.
Conclusion
Using your phone while driving is dangerous and illegal. Even a momentary distraction can have catastrophic consequences. Use alternatives to communicate or navigate safely. Safety should always be the top priority.
UK LAW INFORMATION
Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving:
It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data while driving.
This includes:
• Texting
• Making calls
• Taking photos or videos
• Browsing the web
The law also applies when:
• Stopped at traffic lights
• Queuing in traffic
• Supervising a learner driver
• Driving a car with stop/start technology
• The device is offline or in flight mode
Exceptions (allowed only when):
• Calling 999 or 112 in an emergency when stopping is unsafe
• You are safely parked
• Making a contactless payment at a drive-through while stationary
• Using the device to park the vehicle remotely
Hands-Free Use:
You may use:
• Bluetooth headset
• Voice commands
• Dashboard/holder mounts
• Built-in navigation systems
The device must not block your view of the road.
Penalties:
• £200 fine + 6 penalty points for holding or using a device while driving
• Lose licence if within 2 years of passing test
• Up to £1,000 fine (£2,500 for lorry/bus drivers)
• Possible driving ban
Remember: Stay in full control of your vehicle at all times.