Is the governments awareness campaign ineffective?
We've all seen it, people making phone calls on their mobile devices whilst they drive, but just how widespread a problem is it?
According to research commissioned by Parrot, maker of Bluetooth devices and hands-free in car kits, the problem is truly severe as one third of Britons admit to using mobile phones in the car.
Parrot's research involved telephone interviews of 1006 adults aged 18 and over, conducted by ICM Research.
The results show that of the one third who admit to using their phones in the car, 38 per cent openly admit to not using a hands free kit of any sort. Furthermore, 81 per cent of those using their phone whilst driving claim not to understand the government's legislation.
So, one year after the use of mobile devices whilst driving was made illegal, why do UK drivers continue to endanger the lives of others on the road? According to the survey, the blame lies with our compulsion to answer the phone.
Of the 1006 surveyed, 59 per cent said they felt obliged to answer their phone when it rings in the car, despite the law. Similarly, 48 per cent stated it was necessary to answer their phone due to work purposes.
Over the past year, the government has conducted a comprehensive awareness campaign aimed at making people "THINK!" before using their phone whilst driving. The television advert below is just one of the many hard-hitting messages issued by the government:
In February 2007, the penalty for using a hand-held phone whilst driving was increased from £30 to £60 with the addition of three penalty points on your license.
To help ensure the safety of others and yourself, Chris Roberts, Country Director for Parrot, offers the following advice:
- Turn off your phone when you are on the road, you can always ring back once you arrive at your destination.
- If you cannot turn off your phone, then stay within the law. If you know you have to be available whilst on the road, then chose to have a car kit installed and use it safety ensuring you are in control of your vehicle at all times. If a call is that important then pull off the road to take it.
- Ensure that your kit will always update with new numbers that you have installed into your phone. This gives you the opportunity to see who is calling and gives you the choice to take or refuse a call.
- Voice recognition is key: set up your voice tags – or even better ensure that you use a kit that will automatically recognise names once it is installed, that way if you need to make a call you are ready to go. Fumbling for an earpiece means you may take your eyes off the road.
- Ensure that you have a kit that will help you to hear and be heard – you must not be distracted in the car so a device that is clear so that you are not straining to hear is vital.
The survey results speak for themselves and it's grim reading to know that so many continue to use their phones whilst driving - think, kill the conversation.
How do you feel about handheld devices being used by drivers? Do you admit to doing so yourself? Do you believe the penalty needs to be increased once again? Join the debate in the HEXUS forum.
Useful links
THINK! road safety website
THINK! advice - mobile phones
