All phone calls distract from driving and research demonstrates that reaction times for drivers using a handheld phone are 30% worse than for driving under the influence of alcohol at the legal limit.

Research also shows that using a mobile phone while driving means you are four times more likely to crash.

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving. The penalty is £60 and 3 penalty points. If the case goes to court, it's a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if driving a bus, coach or heavy goods vehicle), discretionary disqualification and 3 points.

Your insurance costs could also go up.

If you get six points within two years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked and you will need to re-sit the test. If the case goes to court, you could risk a maximum fine of £1,000, which rises to £2,500 for the driver of a bus, coach, or heavy goods vehicle.

You can also be prosecuted for using a handsfree phone or similar device if you are distracted and not in proper control of the vehicle. The same penalties apply. Employers could also be prosecuted if employees are distracted because they require them to use their mobile phones while driving.

Callers also play an important role. If you ring someone on their mobile phone who turns out to be driving when they answer, say you'll call them later and hang up.

If you are an employer you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive mobile calls whilst driving, if using a handheld mobile. It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle.

Why are the penalties going up?

• It is hard to do two things at once and research has shown that if you are using a mobile phone whilst driving, you are four times more likely to have a crash.
• In fact, if you use any type of mobile be it hands free or hands held, your reaction times are worse than if you were driving under the influence of alcohol. Tests have shown that reaction times for drivers using a hand-held phone slows reactions by 50% when compared to normal driving and by 30% when compared to being drunk (Direct Line Mobile Phone Report 2002).
• The use of a mobile phone often involves distractions, which could be visual, auditory, mental or physical (Direct Line Mobile Phone Report 2002).
• Even if you're a careful driver, it's easy to be distracted by a phone call or text message - and that split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.

For more information visit http://think.direct.gov.uk/mobile-phones.html

HOT TIP!

Here at AvailableCar we recommend using a hands-free kit in your car if you regularly need to make or receive calls. Parrot© have an excellent wireless car kit retailing at £199.99, which uses your cars sound system as a receiver. For further information take a look at our Parrot products currently in-stock