Mobile phone use remains a leading cause of distraction-related road traffic collisions. Whether to make a call, check a message, or change a track – it takes a driver’s attention away from the road and significantly increases risk.

Despite years of campaigns and legislation, mobile phone use is still a leading cause of distraction-related collisions. This practical toolbox talk gives clear, up-to-date guidance on what the law says, the real-world risks and what’s expected of drivers – whether making a call, sending a message or even changing a playlist.

It’s relevant to UK and Ireland legislation on both hand-held and hands-free use when driving; including the often misunderstood rule that it’s illegal to use a hand-held phone even when stationary in live traffic. It also clarifies the rules around hands-free devices, where hands-free doesn’t mean risk-free.

This month’s Mobile devices toolbox talk helps reinforce understanding of driver responsibilities and covers:

• What the law says in both the UK and Ireland, including banned activities and legal penalties
• The risks of using both hand-held and hands-free devices while driving
• Real-world consequences, including the link between distraction, crash risk and delayed reactions
• The importance of pulling over safely before using a phone and emergency situations where use may be legally permitted

Enforcement teams continue to monitor mobile phone use across all vehicle types. A conviction for using a hand-held device can result in fines, penalty points, or a driving ban – with stricter consequences for professional drivers of larger vehicles.

Mobile phones may feel like a small distraction, but the consequences can be life-changing. Encouraging drivers to stop and think before reaching for their phone is a key part of promoting a safety-first driving culture.