Chapter 14: MOBILE PHONES

Mobile phones and driving do not mix, both are complex tasks each requiring more than half your attention. Research suggests mobile phones users run similar risks as alcohol affected drivers. You can often tell the driver ahead of you in traffic has picked up the mobile phone, they are the car that was moments ago driving at the speed limit, but now are driving much slower and wandering all over the road. The problem is that as a driver you do not realise this is happening because your attention is at the other end of the phone call, not on the road. Australian road laws now addresses the usage of mobile phones in vehicles. If you use a mobile phone it is important for you to make yourself aware of the relevant laws in each state. Otherwise your car insurance may be null and void if you crash and were in contradiction of these laws. When it comes to mobile phones and there importance while driving consider that not to many years ago we didn’t have mobiles and we survived. But if you must be contacted while driving; consider these alternatives; Divert calls to another person Subscribe to a personal message service Use a recorded message bank Pull over and park before answering calls or as a last resort use a hands free kit Use a pager NO this is not a hands free kit It is also good mobile phone etiquette to when calling someone’s mobile ask them if they are free to talk before starting the conversation. In a company fleet, consideration must be given to employees safety and the risks of mobile phone use while driving. A company policy should be set and strictly adhered to, after all a few missed calls are less expensive than a new car.

(Written by Joel Neilsen, Managing Director, Safe Drive Training)