Driving for Work: Mobile Phones
Research shows that using a hand-held or hands-free mobile phone while driving is a significant distraction, and substantially increases the risk of the driver being involved in a collision. High mileage and company car drivers are more likely than most to use a mobile phone while driving.
Driving for Work: Mobile PhonesAs a result of this, RoSPA Wales have produced their first in a series of ‘Driving for Work’ factsheets to help employers manage the risk for staff who use the roads as part of their job. This first edition focuses on the dangers and consequences of driving while using a mobile phone.
You are four times more likely to crash, injuring or killing yourself and/or other people, if you use a mobile phone while driving, whatever you’re doing with it.
Many company vehicles now have Bluetooth or hands-free kits installed, but using a hands-free phone while driving does not significantly reduce the risks because the issues are caused mainly by the mental distraction and divided attention of having a phone conversation at the same time as driving.
On the factsheet, it outlines how a driver can be affected, along with the possible consequences and penalties if they get prosecuted.
Copies of the ‘Driving for Work: Mobile Phones’ factsheet are available from rpimm@rospa.com and future issues will be distributed when they become available.