Mobile Phones
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving a vehicle, riding a motorcycle or supervising a learner.
The penalty for doing so is £60 and 3 penalty points and if the case goes to court, you will face a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if driving a bus, coach or heavy goods vehicle), discretionary disqualification and 3 points. On top of all that, your insurance costs could also go up.
Even careful drivers can be distracted by a phone call or text message and that split second lapse in concentration could result in a collision.
Using any type of mobile – be it hands free or handheld – can mean reaction times are worse than those driving under the influence of alcohol.
Research has shown that those using a mobile phone while driving are four times more likely to crash.
Gwent Police recently produced a hard-hitting video about the dangers of texting while driving.
To view the video, please follow the link below where you will be taken through to the Gwent Police website :
“COW – The film that will stop you txting and driving” – http://www.gwent.police.uk/leadnews.php?a=2172 >
What should you do?
Either switch your phone off, or onto voicemail, before setting off.
If your phone does ring, leave it and make sure you are safely parked before picking up any messages or making a call.
Callers also play an important role. If you ring someone on their mobile phone who turns out to be driving when they answer, say you’ll call them later and hang up.
You can also be prosecuted for using a hands free phone or similar device if you are distracted and not in proper control of the vehicle.
