No to mobiles…but what about the rest?

From 1st December 2003, driving whilst using a hand held mobile phone will be made illegal. Drivers caught committing this offence will incur 3 points on their driver’s license and a fine of up to £30 initially, or up to £1000 if their case goes to court. Driving using a hands-free kit is will be allowed, providing the mobile does not have to be held in order to make or answer a call. David Harlow, MD of leading insurance broker InsureYourMotor.com, who last month issued a statement backing the change in legislation completely, has called for recognition from authorities into other activities carried out by drivers day-today, which are in some cases far more dangerous and distracting than holding and talking on a mobile phone. David Harlow comments, “I agree completely with the change in law regarding the use of hand-held mobiles whilst driving, however, now this has been enforced I think it is time for the authorities to take a closer look into the state of driving across the country and other offences of dangerous driving going unnoticed and unpunished.” In a recent survey carried out by InsureYourMotor.com, they found the top ten things people admit to whilst operating a vehicle. The results found different results for men and women, shown below. Women 1. Talking on a mobile 2. Texting 3. Doing make-up 4. Fiddling with hair 5. Changing CDs /radio 6. Eating/Drinking 7. ‘Totty spotting’ 8. Talking/arguing 9. Map reading 10. Entertaining children Men 1. Talking on mobile phone 2. Texting 3. ‘Totty spotting’ 4. Changing CDs/radio 5. Eating/Drinking 6. Talking/arguing 7. Putting tie on 8. Map reading 9. Brushing teeth 10. Shaving The results show far more worrying trends in drivers’ behaviour than first thought. The shocking results above show that most people are actually going through their morning routine on the way to work! When asked ‘why’ they carry out these actions whilst driving, the main excuse was lack of time. The modern way of rushed pit stop life has taken over from drivers showing regard for the safety of themselves or other road users. In fact, the majority of accidents in the UK are caused by motorists not paying attention to the road. As the InsureYourMotor.com survey shows, most drivers are instead, turning their heads at attractive pedestrians, caring more about what the stereo is playing or pruning themselves in a bid to save precious seconds in the morning. David Harlow continues, “In my opinion, these findings prove as worrying as using a mobile whilst driving, if not more so. Some of these things are unbelievable, there is no way people can shave and put make-up on and still have their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. It’s frightening to think what potential disasters lie out there when people are being this irresponsible. I think the introduction of the mobile phone law has opened floodgates to further the awareness of driving safety as a whole.” For further information, please contact Krista Cundy, NakedPR on 01428 752000 or krista@nakedpr.com