Mobile Phones, Bluetooth Headsets and Driving

02/07/2008

Mobile Phones and Driving

From December 2003, the law prohibits drivers using a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, whilst driving. What isn't widely known, is that it is also against the law to use a hand-held mobile phone while supervising a driver who only has a provisional licence. From Februrary 2007, the penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving increased to £60 and three penalty points. 

Headsets Reduce Driving Risks

It is widely accepted that driving whilst using a mobile phone is a significant distraction to a driver's concentration and as such substantially increases the risk of an accident. The answer is to use a phone headset, whether a bluetooth headset or a corded model. The Nicomm website offers a wide range of Headsets for use with mobile phones. One such example is the Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset which is ideal for hands-free driving. The Nicomm website also offer a wide range of Bluetooth headsets from Jabra & Sennheiser to compliment the full range of Plantronics Headsets.

Drivers At Risk

Drivers who use a hand-held mobile phone or other hand-held device are much more likely to,

• be less aware of other road users
• miss road signs
• fail to maintain proper lane position
• fail to maintain a steady speed
• be more likely to tailgate other road users
• react slower to changing circumstances and take longer to brake
• enter unsafe gaps in traffic
• be more stressed and frustrated
• be in an accident
• cause an accident