RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
November 29, 2004
A YEAR ON – MORE ACTION NEEDED ON MOBILE PHONE DRIVERS
With the anniversary of the law banning the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving only two days away, RoSPA is calling for a new clamp-down on those who flout the legislation.
A study has shown that drivers’ use of hand-held phones has only reduced by 25 per cent, and RoSPA believes much more still needs to be done to persuade motorists to switch off their mobiles.
It has welcomed news that the proposed Road Safety Bill will include measures to give offenders three penalty points on their licences and the threat of a ban under the totting up system. Fines will also be increased from £30 to £60.
But Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “We need that legislation introduced as soon as possible. In the meantime, we want police to take action against everyone they see using a hand-held phone at the wheel. They should run specific campaigns targeting mobile phone users who ignore their own safety and that of the people on the roads around them.
“Some people still think that their phone call is more important than someone’s life and they should not be allowed to get away with it.”
RoSPA led the campaign for the law and believes tougher police enforcement and more publicity are essential to remind people of the dangers of using phones while driving.
In New York, a year after a ban on hand-held phones at the wheel was introduced, usage had fallen by 50 per cent. A year later it was back to pre-law levels. Research suggested it was because of lack of education, publicity and enforcement.
Research shows that motorists using mobile phones – whether hand-held or hands-free - are four-times more likely to crash because of the distraction of the telephone conversation. They tailgate, wander about on the road and vary their speed.
At least 23 people have died on Britain’s roads in accidents where mobile phones have been implicated. Some motorists have been jailed because using a mobile has led them to kill someone by dangerous driving.
Ideally, RoSPA would like to see the use of hands-free phones while driving banned as well.
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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