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Brits ignoring cellphone ban law
Research conducted by the UK's Green Flag Motoring Assistance indicates that one-in-ten British motorists are still using their mobile phone handsets while driving, despite last December's ban. A survey of more than 700 motorists carried out for the roadside rescue provider showed that, despite widespread knowledge of the ban, 10% of drivers still admitted to flouting the law. Since December, it has been illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Anyone caught doing so risks a fixed penalty of £30 or, if convicted, a fine of up to £1,000, plus three points on their driving licence.

Green Flag spokesperson Melanie Denny said: "The survey shows that there are still a significant number of motorists prepared to risk a fine or even an accident by using a mobile phone handset when driving. Our research shows the majority of motorists are aware of the ban, and the dangers associated with mobile phone use, yet they are still prepared to take risks."

Although some motorists do continue to use a hand-held mobile, over three-quarters agreed that it severely impaired their ability to drive safely.

More encouragingly, 64% said they never use their hand-held mobile phone while driving and over a quarter of respondents (28%) said they had made a conscious effort to use a hands-free kit since the ban. Just 1% of those questioned was unaware of the ban.

Nearly half said they still make calls, but park up safely first, and almost 60% said they didn't intend to change their behaviour following legislation as they never made calls using a hand-held mobile phone even before the ban. Few motorists reported being stopped by the police for using their hand-held mobiles since the law changed. Only two drivers had received a verbal warning and only one had received a formal caution.

Mary Williams, chief executive at road safety charity Brake, said: "These findings show that a worrying number of drivers are still putting lives at risk by using their hand-held mobile phones behind the wheel. Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving makes you up to six times more likely to crash. Even hands free phones pose a significant risk as it is the conversation which distracts drivers and not simply holding the phone. The advice to drivers is clear and simple. Don't make or take a call, you may take a life."

Almost a third questioned said their employers had made no attempt to advise staff about mobile phone use when driving for work purposes since the ban. In fact, just one-in-four had been clearly updated on new company policy as a result of the ban. It is currently an offence for employers to encourage motorists to use their mobile phones for work purposes, and employers have a legal responsibility to include policy on mobile phone use that reflects the new laws.


Taken from Cellular News, Tuesday 9th March 2004

Ethan Sobin
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Posted: 2004-03-09 18:05:49
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Can't say i ever used my phone much while driving. Haven't at all since the law has come into effect, it's not worth it. Better just to buy a BT headset and stick the phone in the glovebox.
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Posted: 2004-03-09 18:13:29
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i think that the 1in10 is been very conservative as well the amount of people i see still talking on mobiles aswell as driving.i heard the figures on the radio this morning and as i spend all day driving thought i would check it out within 5 mins this morning i had counted 10 people talking on phones doing the school run.

[ This Message was edited by: slattery69 on 2004-03-09 17:17 ]
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Posted: 2004-03-09 18:15:35
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out of how many cars you saw?

I use my phone while driving - its not like you didnt get a ticket before they banned it. So why change now - they only made a new specific mobile phone ban- you always got a spot £30 fine if you were seen on the phone.
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Posted: 2004-03-12 13:40:56
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i too use it's not against the law here (yet) but i like to be safe. i can't stand to see people driving like asses because they're talking on their cells. i think they should confiscate their phones. that'll stop 'em.
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Posted: 2004-03-13 23:16:33
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Whenever i call my boyfriend if i know he is drivin i always hang up. He says hes a careful driver but i still insist he stops car b4 talking- do u think im 2 harsh! This message was posted from a T300
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Posted: 2004-03-13 23:34:28
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nope.
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Posted: 2004-03-14 03:07:17
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I live in a town in Pennsylvania in the US where there is a ban on mobile phones while driving within the city limits. I ignore the rule quite often, an luckily havn't been caught as of yet. Most of the US however has no such ban.

!snap
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Posted: 2004-03-15 22:40:48
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