Overview
Mobile phones are great for communication and surfing the web. But in traffic doing those same things endangers the lifes of everyone. It can be just as risky to use a mobile phone or similar devices whilst driving as it is to drive while intoxicated.
Using a mobile phone whilst driving
- It is not permitted to hold or operate a phone whilst driving. The distraction of the device reducese your concentration and poses a risk to other drivers
- It is extremely risky to text while driving. This risk level is equal to that of a heavily drunk person.
- All hand held devices are prohibited to be operated and held aswell eg: ipads, GPS, iPod, etc
- You are permitted to use a handsfree device:
While a hands-free device allow both your hands to be free. The main cause of the distraction and where your attention is focused is on the conversation itself and not your occupied hands. Thus the risk increases
How to safely use a mobile phone or other devices whilst driving
The main cause of mobile related accidents is related to the distraction of the conversation or distraction of operating the device. By reducing the interaction you reduce the risk
- You are allowed to use devices such as GPS and GPS on your phone whilst driving. But they need to be safely fixed to the dashboard and the destination should be preprogrammed
- You can use voice control to send a message. As long as it does not take your concentration off from the road
- Talking to a passenger vs a person on a phone: The difference is a passenger can see the situation around you and can stop the conversation when the situation becomes riskier.
A person on the phone cant see the situation and thus will continue the conversation distracting you when you need to focus