New phone-driving laws
February 28, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Insurance
New laws concerning the use of handheld mobile phones while driving have come into force today (February 27th).
Stricter punishments will be dished out to those who are caught breaking the law as research shows that using a phone while behind the wheel greatly affects reaction times.
Previously an offender would have been hit with a £30 fine but now police will issue a £60 fine and three points on the lawbreaker’s licence.
The tougher penalties have received widespread support from most motoring bodies, with a wealth of research showing that using a handheld phone while driving is dangerous.
“Mobile phones are probably the biggest distraction, with research evidence suggesting that holding a conversation on the phone leads to drivers having similar reaction times to someone twice over the UK drink-drive limit,” said Andy Price from Zurich Risk Services.
“At 40mph, a concentrating driver will travel 13.3 metres before activating the brakes in the event of an emergency.
“A driver at the UK drink-drive limit will travel 20 metres and the sober, hands-free phone user will travel 22.3 metres before activating the brakes,” he added.
The introduction of the stiffer penalties is likely to lead to an increase in car insurance premiums for some drivers.
With an offender being hit with three points on his or her licence, it is extremely likely that insurers will bump up premiums for those caught using a phone behind the wheel.
