Driven to distraction - posted 31 May 2002

More than half of people in the UK now own mobile phones and we're all becoming more reliant on them in our everyday lives - whether for work or leisure time.

However, using a mobile phone while driving, either to make a call or send a text message, increases the likelihood of being involved in a road accident. In fact, you are four times more likely to be involved in an accident if you use one when driving. Awareness of these dangers is the key and that is why the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions has started a nationwide campaign "Think! Switch it off before you drive."

One third of motorists have admitted to using their mobile while driving phone according to research carried out by road safety organisation, Brake, who are launching their campaign Shut Up Britain this week. It aims to alert drivers to the dangers of talking on their mobile phones while driving.

A phone call or text message can easily sidetrack a driver, affecting their ability to concentrate on the road ahead, and can act as a major distraction leading motorists to drive too closely to vehicles in front, drive faster and have less control of their vehicle. And it makes no difference if you have a hands free phone you are just as vulnerable.

The advice to motorists is to think before they drive and switch their phone off during their journey or you should pull over if you need to make a phone call or send a text message. Its all about common sense and thinking about your own safety and that of other road users

What do you think about this - email me and let me know