Using a mobile device whilst driving increases the likelihood of a crash by four times and is one of the main causes of serious and fatal road collisions. It’s been illegal to use a handheld mobile phone whilst driving for over 20 years and in 2022 the law was tightened to include any interaction with any hand-held device.

To ensure drivers are fully aware of their moral and legal responsibilities, Mobile devices is the subject of this month’s toolbox talk.

The toolbox talk reminds drivers of the increased risk of using a mobile device whilst driving and covers:

• Hand-held device use whilst driving and the law
• The effects of physical, visual, noise and mental distraction
• The increased risk of using hands-free devices whilst driving
• The physical consequences and legal penalties

Aside from the physical consequences of using a mobile device at the wheel, using a hand-held device can result in a £200 fixed penalty fine and six penalty points. If the offence is dealt with in court it could lead to a driving ban and up to £1000 fine, which increases to £2500 for HGV and PCV drivers. of collisions. Addressing the deeper underlying causes of tiredness can help prevent a tragic incident on the road.