The RAC 2018 report on motoring found that 25% of drivers admitted that they had used hand-held phones whilst driving during the previous year. 25% admitted to making or receiving calls when driving and 39% said that they’d make or received calls whilst the car was stationary, but the engine was running.
With regards to texting, 19% had checked texts, emails or social media whilst driving whilst 40% had done so whilst stationary but with the engine running. 14% of drivers had taken photos with their phone whilst driving.
In 2017, driving with a mobile phone in had was responsible for at least 33 fatalities, 90 serious injuries and over 300 less serious injuries – and these stats exclude pedestrian accidents.
The use of hand-held mobiles whilst driving
It’s statistics like these that led the Government to amend the laws around the use of hand-held mobile phones whilst driving. Incoming changes will mean that fines and penalties will no longer be limited to calling and texting. Drivers holding or using their phone in any way could be liable to a fine of up to £200 plus six points on their licence if they are found to be checking social media, playing games, searching for music playlists or taking photos.
The changes to the law will however, allow drivers to still use their phones to pay for coffees and takeaway foods when using drive-throughs.
Bluetooth and Hands-free kits keep drivers connected
The demand for Bluetooth and hands-free phone kits is expected to rise as a result of this change. This is as much for those who spend much of their day driving for work, as it is for every-day drivers. Whilst texts, social media and photography will need to wait, hands-free kits enable drivers to keep connected and make and receive calls or stream music through their vehicle’s sound system.
The ideal solution for drivers is to leave hand-held phones in the boot of the car or somewhere out of reach. This removes driver temptation to pick up the phone. Couple this with the installation of a Bluetooth hands-free kit and the driver remains connected with their own music entertainment to hand, all whilst driving safely and within the law.
Kits-n-Bits have a range of Bluetooth hands-free kits available for both fleet and individual customers. Our team will make recommendations based on your requirements and your budget, plus we’ll supply and install your kit on-site. Email sales@kits-n-bits.com to make your enquiry.
Source: https://www.rac.co.uk/pdfs/report-on-motoring/rac10483_rom-2018_content_web