Book Theory Test Today understands that road charity, Brake, is campaigning for hands-free phones in cars to be banned, not just hand-held devices.
Mobile phone use among drivers, especially in the 18-24 age group, has rocketed in recent years with an increase in the number of fines issued to motorists caught using their handsets at the wheel.
In a statement from Brake, they said: “Driving theory does not cover the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving as adequately as it should, whilst some questions in the UK driving theory test do refer to the subject, it’s not sufficient enough to deter motorists from continuing to use mobile phones and hands-free equipment on Britain’s roads. Fines are clearly not the answer.â€
A freedom of information request, put forward by Brake, revealed that over 500,000 UK motorists currently had points on their driving licence for using a mobile handset or being distracted by other factors.
In a statement from the Government they said a ban on hands-free kits was not being considered.
The release of the figures indicated the beginning of National Road Safety Week, an initiative designed to increase driving theory knowledge and educate motorists of the importance of abiding by UK road laws.
Brake’s campaign has received high profile support from the Association of Chief Police Officers, 10 years since the introduction of the mobile phone ban.
In a bid to re-invigorate driving theory, the charity wants to inform drivers of the dangers of flouting mobile phone laws.
Brake is urging motorists to switch off their phones when driving and asking callers to refuse to speak to someone who is out on the road.
In order to ‘make their case’ Brake refers to research that claims that 98% of motorists are unable to split their time without if affecting their driving competence.
Brake claim that using a mobile phone, eating, drinking and smoking all increase the risk of causing a serious or fatal road accident.
In a statement from the Deputy Chief Executive of Brake, Julie Townsend, she said: “We’re living in an age where constantly being connected has become the status quo. Unfortunately, driving theory has not adapted sufficiently enough to educate motorists on the dangers of driving whilst using a mobile phone.â€
She continued: “While there are enormous benefits to this new technology, it’s also posing dangerous temptations to drivers to divert their concentration away from the critical task at hand, often putting our most vulnerable road users in danger.â€
She added: “Many people who wouldn’t dream of drink-driving are succumbing to using their phone and other distractions while driving, oblivious that the effect can be similar and the consequences just as horrific.â€
In a statement from the Department for Transport (DfT), they said: “Re-inventing driving theory is on the agenda and road safety remains our top priority. The Government is determined that police have the powers they need to tackle any form of dangerous driving, including anyone using a mobile phone at the wheel.â€
The statement continued: “That is why this year the fixed penalty for this offence was increased to £100 and carries three penalty points. Police can stop and arrest any driver if they believe they are not in charge of their vehicle, and this includes if the driver is using a hands-free mobile device.â€
The statement concluded: “There are no plans to change the law around the use of hands-free devices, but all penalties are kept under review to ensure they are appropriate.â€
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