Using Mobile Phone Whilst Driving: Is it Good Or Not?
It’s been a little over a decade since using hand held mobile phones whilst driving was outlawed. Regrettably, there are still numerous individuals who do not follow this rule while driving. They tend to neglect what they already know that with text messaging, tweeting, and updating Facebook status while driving, it can put their lives at stake and even other people’s lives.
It has been long disallowed the use of mobile phones while you are driving on the road. But there are still considerable numbers of people who don’t mind texting, tweeting, and updating Facebook status through their mobile phone while driving, placing not only their precious lives at stake, but also other people’s lives.
This is not a funny thing that you should laugh about, right? Over a million of motorists were charged of using illegally their phones while driving from the moment the law took effect in 2003. From the moment the fine was raised by 50% in May 2013, each conviction today would cost the driver for about £90 from the previous £60.
Their driver’s license will also get 3 points that will remain for four years. Well, if such fine doesn’t bother you, then consider other financial outcomes which include an increase on the policy cost for an average of 49% following a mobile phone conviction on their license. It’s not something you can ignore that easily.
Improper use of phones while driving: Destructive Results
But, if you care little of the money, think about the human cost and ask yourself why so many flout the law and refuse to stop their smiley faces, texts and emotions. As announced by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), there have been 1,690 road mishaps reported between the year 2006 and 2010 that resulted in injury mainly because of mobile phone usage. Sadly, about 110 of these were fatal.
According to IAM, if you will use mobile phone while you are on the road, you have four times the chances of crashing and your reaction will be around 50% slower. Furthermore, the lack of concentration due to an upcoming call or text is sufficient enough to bring about accidents.
Using Your Mobile Phones While Driving - The Danger You are Taking It’s definitely illegal to make use of any hand held device or mobile phone while driving. This is applicable at traffic lights, in queues of traffic or to being a teacher for a novice to drive. If you are caught utilising a hand held mobile phone while driving you can get 3 points and a fine. It will cost you £100 nowadays. If your case goes to court the penalty could be as much as £1000 or, if you drive a bus or HGV, you could face a maximum fine of £2500.
Do You Think It is Okay to Make Use Of Your Mobile Phones While Driving?
Yes. It’s very much alright to make use of your hand held mobile phone to contact 112 or 999 during urgent cases while driving and does not need to stop. You can also make use of your mobile phone in case you are safely stopped. You can use hands-free mobile phones lawfully whilst driving if you don’t have to hold it to operate it. You can still press certain buttons on your phone, but once law enforcement officer seen that you are being diverted from the moment you utilise your phone, you can still be prosecuted.