Friday, February 17, 2012

Using mobile phone while driving is a growing problem

Driving a motor vehicle on public road could be challenging task. Irresponsible driving can be a dangerous activity for most of the people. Careless driving can harm road users and driver as well.

It is illegal to drive a car or ride a motorbike and make use mobile phone or similar device. It is also illegal to supervise a learner and use mobile phone. A mobile phone can distract a driver in various ways. Even a small phone ring can create an accident. With better technology, people can now use mobile phones without touching it - but nobody can resist listening and talking on the phone while driving. But please always note such distractions while driving can always turn fetal.

Since 1st of December 2003 it became an offence to use a mobile phone while driving. The fixed penalty was a £30 or up to £1,000 on conviction in court (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles, buses or coaches). Since 27th of February 2007 the penalty is now 3 points on your license or a minimum fine of £60. The new regulations are now applied to the drivers of motor vehicles on the road, including cars, motorcycles, goods vehicles, buses, coaches and taxis.

Research has found that telephone conversation distracts from the mental concentration and divides attention while driving. Normally it is expected that if a pedestrian starts crossing the road suddenly, a driver will try to react and stop the car. But if the driver is using a mobile phone, then there will be a risk that the driver will not be able to respond in time and ultimately create an accident

Consequences of driving with no lack of attention while driving could be fetal.

1. Drivers are less aware:
Drivers are less aware of what's happening on the road around them. They don't pay full attention towards their driving, accidents can happen.

2. Fail to maintain proper lane position:
Sometimes when drivers are busy with their phones they fail to maintain their lane position and speed.

3. Fail to see road signs:
When drivers are busy with their phones while driving forget to notice the road signs and drive in wrong lane. They can create a problem for road users.

4. React slowly and take longer to brake:
It takes longer for them to notice potential hazards and take necessary action.

5. More likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic:
Bike riders and car drivers are sometimes don't maintain safe distance to stop their vehicles in traffic. Bike riders always try to move further from the big vehicles and forget their safety on the road.

6. Parking vehicles in no parking areas:
As the drivers are less aware about the surrounding, they park their vehicles in prohibited areas e.g. space reserved for handicapped people.

Safety measures can be taken:

1. Set up an answering Service:
Instead of answering a phone call while driving, you can use answering service so you won't miss that important call

2. Switch off:
You can switch off your mobile phone while driving. This will help you to concentrate on the road. Or you can also keep the mobile phone in silent mode so you can receive emergency calls and messages later.

3. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic:
If you want to make an important call, find a suitable and safe place to stop and use your mobile phone.

4. Avoid conversations during hazardous driving conditions.
As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay attention to the road. Let the person you are talking should know that you are driving. If necessary, reject the call in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions. Rain, sleet, snow and ice can be hazardous but heavy traffic can be just as dangerous.

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