danger of mobile phone use whilst driving
We really need to get a hold of the problems of traffic accidents here in Jordan. Enforcement of laws is so important but we all need to take responsibility for our own actions. How many of you use mobile phones whilst driving? The following shows what has been found in the UK and the new penalties. PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR MOBILES WHILST DRIVING. T
* It is hard to do two things at once and research has shown that if you are using a mobile phone whilst driving, you are four times more likely to have a crash.
* In fact, if you use any type of mobile be it hands free or hands held, your reaction times are worse than if you were driving under the influence of alcohol, at the legal limit. Tests have shown that reaction times for drivers using a hand-held phone slows reactions by 50% when compared to normal driving and by 30% when compared to being drunk (Direct Line Mobile Phone Report 2002).
* The use of a mobile phone often involves distractions which could be visual, auditory, mental or physical (Direct Line Mobile Phone Report 2002).
* Even if you're a careful driver, it's easy to be distracted by a phone call or text message - and that split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
In the UK new legislation to increase the penalty for using a hand-held phone whilst driving came into force on 27 February 2007. The £30 fine was increased to £60 and three penalty points on your licence. Penalty points can mean higher insurance costs. If you get six points within two years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked and you will need to re-sit the test. If the case goes to court, you could risk a maximum fine of £1,000, which rises to £2,500 for the driver of a bus, coach, or heavy goods vehicle.
A driver can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free device if you are not in proper control of your vehicle when using the device. The penalties are the same - £60 fine and three points on your licence.
If you are an employer you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive mobile calls while driving. It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle.
Callers also play an important role in keeping the roads safe. If the person you are speaking to is driving, please terminate the call and arrange to speak to them later.
* It is hard to do two things at once and research has shown that if you are using a mobile phone whilst driving, you are four times more likely to have a crash.
* In fact, if you use any type of mobile be it hands free or hands held, your reaction times are worse than if you were driving under the influence of alcohol, at the legal limit. Tests have shown that reaction times for drivers using a hand-held phone slows reactions by 50% when compared to normal driving and by 30% when compared to being drunk (Direct Line Mobile Phone Report 2002).
* The use of a mobile phone often involves distractions which could be visual, auditory, mental or physical (Direct Line Mobile Phone Report 2002).
* Even if you're a careful driver, it's easy to be distracted by a phone call or text message - and that split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
In the UK new legislation to increase the penalty for using a hand-held phone whilst driving came into force on 27 February 2007. The £30 fine was increased to £60 and three penalty points on your licence. Penalty points can mean higher insurance costs. If you get six points within two years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked and you will need to re-sit the test. If the case goes to court, you could risk a maximum fine of £1,000, which rises to £2,500 for the driver of a bus, coach, or heavy goods vehicle.
A driver can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free device if you are not in proper control of your vehicle when using the device. The penalties are the same - £60 fine and three points on your licence.
If you are an employer you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive mobile calls while driving. It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle.
Callers also play an important role in keeping the roads safe. If the person you are speaking to is driving, please terminate the call and arrange to speak to them later.
posted by joladies at Tuesday, March 11, 2008
6 Comments:
It is GREAT to have the facts to back up the personal experience. If I am talking whilst driving I am a road hazard to all in proximity; so I don't.
This is so true! i personally was caught by a policman while driving and using my phone same time. i payed the ticket, and i never did it again!
i wish we could do it the UK STYLE!
Just to play devil's advocate, wouldn't these same rules apply to those who have conversations with other passengers in the car? Should we restrict all in-car communication whatsoever?
Dave you have hit on a good point about any distraction to a driver. I know whenever my kids or grandkids were unruly in the back seat I often needed to pull to the side of the road and sort them out because I couldn't concentrate on my driving. I know that once a Greyhound Bus driver threatened to kick someone off the bus we were on because he insisted on talking to the driver!
I do wonder what the real law is now in Jordan regarding using hands-free technology while driving. I know it is no longer allowed to use regular phones, but what about if you are not touching the phone?
Ooooh, me! Me! Me! Oh, wait, that isn't a GOOD thig is it? Admitting to the bad habit of using my cell phone while driving (when else do I have time without little voices, phone calls, or 60 things going on. Could you send me some more time in the day? Oh, and for the record, the two minor fender bender's I've had (one my fault, one distinctly NOT) did not involve cell phones...
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