RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

August 20, 2002
GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL TO BAN MOBILE USE BY DRIVERS

The Risk of Using a Mobile Phone While Driving

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today welcomed the Government's consultation on introducing a specific offence to prohibit the use of any hand-held phone or similar device by drivers.

This is the culmination of a long campaign by RoSPA to persuade the Government to introduce specific legislation. RoSPA first raised concerns about the distraction caused by mobile phones and driving in the mid 1990s, and has continued to research, and raise public awareness. RoSPA's President introduced a Private Members bill in the House of Lords to ban drivers using mobile phones in 1999.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: "Research shows that drivers who use a mobile phone are significantly distracted and less able to concentrate on what is happening around them. They tend to drive closer to other vehicles, veer about in their lanes and their reaction times are slower. Research indicates that they are four times more likely to crash than those who do not use mobile phones.

"RoSPA, the Government and the police have tried to educate people about the dangers, but this does not seem to be working. A law will make it crystal clear to everyone. This will mean that employers will know that their staff should not be expected to take, or make, calls while driving.

"Police have used a variety of offences to take action against mobile phone drivers, but the evidence shows motorists are still ignoring the safety advice, or are confused by the current laws. A specific offence will clarify the law for everyone and would mean they have no excuse.

"The only safe way for drivers to use a mobile in a vehicle is when they have stopped in a safe place."

There are at least 10 European Union countries, and many others around the world have already introduced a ban in the interests of road safety.

RoSPA knows of at least 19 deaths on Britain's roads where mobile phones have been implicated, but believes that this is the tip of the iceberg. There could be many more accidents, but as yet they do not appear in official statistics.