Poll
Welwyn Garden City charity calls for tougher actions against driving while using a mobile phone
IAM RoadSmart says control of hands-free mobile phones is '‘long overdue'’. Picture: IAM RoadSmart - Credit: IAM RoadSmart
Welwyn Garden City–based IAM RoadSmart says it’s time to bust the myth of multi-tasking behind the wheel.
The charity, which aims to enhance road safety, wants to ensure drivers are fully aware of how dangerous a hands-free mobile phone can be.
Today the Transport Select Committee called on the government to consider tougher restrictions on driving while using a mobile phone and stricter enforcement of the law.
With the report Road Safety: Driving While Using a Mobile Phone issued stating that "using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, with potentially catastrophic consequences," IAM RoadSmart says there needs to be much stricter controls on the use of hands-free mobile phones in cars.
However, the charity said that it cannot see how any ban can be enforced, with a lack of police numbers meaning drivers feel they won't get caught.
In 2017 there were 43 deaths in collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was a contributory factor. Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Zephyr18 - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Official statistics show that in 2017 there were 773 casualties, including 43 deaths and 135 serious injuries, in collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was a contributory factor.
The figures show that the number of people killed or seriously injured has risen steadily since 2011, however alarmingly the rate of enforcement has dropped by more than two-thirds since then.
Most Read
- 1 'Garden thieves' caught on camera in Welwyn
- 2 Welwyn Garden City school earns prestigious development award
- 3 The latest court results for Welwyn Hatfield and Potters Bar
- 4 Explained: What the cost of living support package means for you
- 5 Queen's Platinum Jubilee: Changes to rubbish and recycling bin collection days in Welwyn Hatfield
- 6 Cuffley home care company recognised among best in east of England
- 7 Local man will be flying high in an effort to raise much needed funds for Potential Kids
- 8 Spectacular Grade II listed home near Hatfield on the market for £3m
- 9 Every household in the UK to get £400 to help with rising energy bills
- 10 Who is playing when at Slam Dunk Festival 2022: Set times announced for Hatfield Park
Two years ago, motorists caught using a hand-held phone have faced a punishment of six points on their licence and a £200 fine - a doubling of the previous penalty.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: "IAM RoadSmart strongly welcomed the House of Commons Transport Committee report as it fully confirms what we have known for some time - multi tasking is a myth and any form of smartphone use at the wheel is distracting.
The Welwyn Garden City-based charity says tougher enforcement will be near impossible without new tech and more police. Picture: ANTONY KELLY. - Credit: Archant
"Clarifying the law so that any use of a phone that involves holding it or placing in the driver's lap is made illegal should be a top government priority. It doesn't matter if it's for music selection or social media updates, it all increases risk behind the wheel particularly for new drivers.
"New laws and tougher penalties are welcome but will only work if the fear of being caught is increased."
To read the report click here.
