They are also four times more likely to crash, injuring or killing themselves and other people. Using a hands-free phone while driving does not significantly reduce the risks because the problems are caused mainly by the mental distraction and divided attention of taking part in a phone conversation at the same time as driving.
Mobile phones in vehicles are used throughout Whistl as a means of providing an efficient form of communication between the driver, the base location and our customers.
Whistl recognises the risks involved in the use of hand-held and hands-free mobile phones. To ensure the safety of other road users and pedestrians, Whistl has developed policies and procedures to reduce the risk. When using a hands-free kit only short conversations should take place. A phone call may be answered, but if the conversation is likely to be prolonged the employee must tell the caller that they will return the call when the vehicle is stationary. The use of personal hand-held phones when driving in company vehicles is strictly forbidden. The fitting and use of citizen band radios (CB) is not permitted in company vehicles. On December 1, 2003, a law, "The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2003" (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/2695) came into force to prohibit drivers using a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, while driving. It also made it an offence to "cause or permit" a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, or to use a hand-held mobile phone while supervising a driver who only has a provisional licence. The penalties were initially a fixed penalty of £30 or a fine of up to £1,000 if the offender goes to court (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles or passenger carrying vehicles with 9 or more passenger seats). The Law
Mobile Phones the Law continued
Drivers of goods vehicles or passenger carrying vehicles with 9 or more passenger seats). From February 27, 2007, the penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving increased to £60 and three penalty points added to the drivers' licence.
Penalties for using your phone while driving
You can get an automatic fixed penalty notice if you’re caught using a hand-held phone while driving or riding. You’ll get 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £100.
Your case could also go to court and you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000. Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.
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