Don’t be driven to distraction by your mobile

Don’t be driven to distraction by your mobile - Buckinghamshire drivers are reminded to stay safe on the road by not using mobile phones

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Drivers in Buckinghamshire are being warned of the dangers of using mobile phone and hands-free devices behind the wheel. If you are distracted by a mobile phone, you are four times more likely to crash your vehicle.

From March 2022, it has been illegal to use hand-held mobile devices when driving on the road. It has also been proven that the drivers who are distracted by external sources, such as mobile phones, have reduced hazard detection abilities and slower reaction times. Drivers are also less aware of their surroundings and speed, and they are less likely to see road signs compared to those who are fully focused on the road.

It’s essential for all drivers to know how to keep themselves and others safe while driving. There are easy steps you can take to stay safe and alert. Here are a few you can follow:

• Set your phone to ‘do not disturb’ or silent mode
• Prepare your navigation system before driving
• Download and set up your playlist beforehand, or tune to the radio station of your liking before starting your vehicle
• Store your mobile phone in a secure place, where potential notifications won’t distract you while driving.

Taking calls while driving, even hands-free, is not advised. If you can, let it go to voicemail or pull into to a safe, legal place to answer. Speaking on hands-free devices poses the same level of risk as a hand held mobile phone.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“Using your mobile phone while driving is one of the reasons there are serious collisions on the road. For drivers that are caught using a mobile phone it’s 6 penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine. If you lose your licence, how would that affect you, your job and your family?

“This is why Buckinghamshire Council is #standingupforhangingup and wants to raise awareness of the dangers of using a phone whilst driving. It’s simply not worth the risk to answer a message or a call when driving. It doesn’t matter if you are stopped in traffic – you can still be prosecuted. If you must change your satnav or answer a notification, please wait and park safely before reaching for your device.”

For more information, visit: Are you driven to distraction by your mobile? | Buckinghamshire Council