Drivers could be banned from having hands-free devices behind the wheel
Hands-free devices are legal in the UK
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Driving with a hands-free mobile phone is just as dangerous as using a hand-held device, according to experts.
The latest research findings revealed that despite being legal, hands-free calls can be just as distracting as handheld ones while driving.
As a result, many companies are bringing in policies to ban both hand-held and hands-free calls while driving.
A recent collaboration compared mobile phone use, and attitudes towards mobile phone use (both hand-held and hands-free). Experts compiled a video to debunk the myths around mobile phone use in a car.
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Drivers face a £200 fine and given up to six penalty points
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It was found that for a group of drivers who watched the video it changed their perception of hands-free devices.
Analysis demonstrated clear improvements in safety-related attitudes regarding mobile phone use.
When the focus group was asked directly whether the video had changed their understanding of the dangers of mobile phones, 95 per cent state it had.
A further 80 per cent said that they would limit or completely avoid hands-free mobile phone use while driving in the future.
Ray Webb, group senior insurance claims manager, Kier Group, said: “The safety of our people is our most important duty – whether this is on site or while travelling – and Kier has had a policy in place on hands-free phones for a number of years.
“This work with the Road Safety Trust and Nottingham Trent University will help to educate and protect everyone on the roads about the dangers of hands-free calls.”
Meanwhile Professor David Crundall, Nottingham Trent University, explained that people have known about the dangers of hands-free phones for decades, “but the message has just not got through”.
She added: “Now, through our work with Kier, we have demonstrated that it is possible to present the evidence in such a way as to change drivers’ attitudes to hands-free use.”
Recent reports found that more than 11 million motorists have admitted to using a mobile device when driving around the UK.
If caught using a phone while behind the wheel, drivers could face a £200 fine and given up to six penalty points.
Drivers who have been fined in the past could also see their car insurance policies go up as research found premiums costing £369 more for those issued with a penalty.
Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, stated that despite being legal, it is “well understood that the use of hands-free mobile phones is a danger to drivers”.
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11 million motorists have admitted to using a mobile device in a car
GETTY“As a result, this resource can play a key role in helping organisations to keep their drivers safe on the roads, such is their responsibility. We encourage them to make use of it,” she detailed.
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