More than 170,000 motorists in England and Wales are caught each year using their mobiles while driving, despite it being illegal. Even worse, 1 million road traffic accidents are caused by mobile use each year. In response, insurers have started implementing a 20 per cent increase to the motor insurance premiums of drivers who have been fined for using their mobiles.
Though using a mobile phone while driving carries the same legal penalty as speeding, the increase to a driver’s premium is doubled. The reason for such a drastic increase is that using your mobile behind the wheel divides your attention and limits your control of the vehicle. This digital distraction places not only the motorist at risk but others on the road as well. Keep these three habits in mind in order to stay safe while driving:
- Even if you have a hands-free mobile phone accessory, let calls go to voicemail, or pull over to take calls.
- If you must take a call, keep it brief and simple, and tell the person that you will call back at a more appropriate time.
- Avoid using your mobile to take notes, send messages or look up information.
