Hands-free Mobile Devices are being said to carry “the same risks of collision” as your regular hand-held Mobile. The government are looking into the topic and a ban could be set in place just like in 2003 when hand-held devices were banned from being used.

Stats show there were 773 incidents on UK roads deemed to be caused by the use of mobile devices - of these, 43 people were killed and 135 suffered serious injuries. (These are 2017 Figures).

The Laws State the following:

1. Using a SATNAV while driving is illegal
2. Any fully hands-free devices should be fully setup before you begin driving
3. Police have every right to stop a driver they believe to be distracted
4. The Law still applies for drivers who are stationary in traffic or have stopped at traffic lights
5. Breaking these laws can still land you penalty points, fines and/or a driving ban.

Mobile Phone use has been said to diminish an individuals driving ability similarly to if they were driving under the influence.

MPs believe that the current penalties should be drastically increased, as a way to make drivers more aware of the risks posed equally by hands-free devices and hand-held devices -

Currently there is a huge misunderstanding that hands-free devices are safe to use as our hands are kept on the wheel, however our focus switches to the person on the other end of the phone, and one lapse of concentration is always going to carry a big risk.

Written By Harrison Jones :

References : (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/13/mps-call-for-tougher-penalties-on-drivers-using-mobile-phones)(https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49320473)(Photo Credit : https://unsplash.com/photos/8cQwhbxjCVY - Damir Kopezhanov)