Your safety on the road

Recently we have seen an increase in our clients contacting us for advice regarding the use of mobile phones whilst driving on company business:

Using ANY mobile phone when driving is dangerous

Using a mobile phone, sat nav or any similar device whilst driving means that the driver’s attention is distracted from the road.

The facts:

• Studies show that drivers using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards.
• Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
  

  The law:

• It is illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving.
• This includes using your mobile phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
• You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.
• If you’re caught using a handheld phone while driving, you’ll get 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £100. Points on your licence will result in higher insurance costs.
• If you get just 6 points in the first two years after passing your test, you will lose your licence.
• You may use a hands-free phone while driving but you can still be prosecuted if you’re not in proper control of your vehicle. The penalties are the same as being caught using a handheld phone.
• The penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using a handheld or hands-free phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

THINK! Advice:

• Switch off before you drive off.
• Even if you’re using a hands-free phone you should avoid making or answering calls when driving.
• All phone calls distract drivers’ attention from the road.
• Park safely before using your mobile phone.
• Do not park on the hard shoulder of the motorway.
• Don’t call other people when they’re driving.
• If you call someone and they tell you they are driving, ask them to call you back when they have parked up safely.

About Bruche Associates Limited

Bruche Associates are an established Health & Safety and Continual Improvement Consultancy, which evolved out of the chemical and oil and gas industries. Bruche Associates Limited is a family run business overseen by Lee and Joanne Marsh who have over 35 years combined experience working in Healthcare Medical Services, Health & Safety Management and Training and Development. Lee qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1996 before moving into Health and Safety Management with ICI Paints. We work across a range of sectors from chemical manufacturing, engineering, trade & retail, and small & medium size businesses