RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

October 20, 1998
MOTOR SHOW 1998: Phone Distraction Test For Drivers

Visitors to the British International Motor Show (Oct 21-Nov 1) will be able to prove to themselves the dangers of using a hands-free mobile phone while driving.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is offering a drive on a simulator to show how reaction times are slowed when using a mobile phone and how concentration is affected in the minutes after a call has ended.

People will be able to sit at the wheel of a car and have their braking times and mental agility checked.

Anyone taking the free test will also be offered £5 off the cost of an advanced driving test.

RoSPA’s research indicates a significant level of distraction from the main driving task when drivers use a mobile phone. RoSPA recommends that motorists should not use a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands-free, while driving. The Society believes phones should only be used while a car is stationary. It would like to see a ban on the use of mobile phones while driving.

RoSPA will be using the Halifax Car Insurance stand (No. 340 in halls 3 and 3a). Members of RoSPA’s Advanced Drivers Association (RoADA) benefit from a 10 per cent discount on Halifax Car Insurance. Membership of an advanced driving group has been shown to reduce the likelihood of having a road accident by up to 20 per cent.

Volunteers from RoADA will staff the stand to advise on safe driving techniques. A video will also be shown, demonstrating common driving hazards and different ways to respond to them.

Halifax Car Insurance is a strong supporter of RoSPA’s road safety initiatives and has funded research into child safety in cars and sponsored the Society’s National Safe Driving Awards Scheme.