Distractions - Phones at the Wheel
Be smarter and keep both hands on the wheel! Even on the most routine journey, driving is a multi-tasked activity which requires the driver’s full attention and concentration. Phoning while driving is not recommended.
Of all the sources of distraction in the car, the phone, whether hands-free or not, is among the most dangerous. Phones conversations take the driver’s thoughts away from the vehicle. They abandon control of the vehicle to some extent to connect with the people talking to them.
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
- Any phone system should be installed securely in the vehicle or fixed in the helmet, respectively.
- Hands-free headsets are permitted.
- When the vehicle is moving, the driver is not permitted to take a hand off the wheel or handlebars in order to switch their phone system on or off.
PENALTIES
The driver will be fined 145 euros and lose 2 points on their licence if they use a phone or a tablet at the wheel without the appropriate equipment and if their phone system is not securely installed in the vehicle.
TIPS
There have been many studies and experiments demonstrating that holding a phone conversation while driving results in the following:
- Speed variations.
- Frequent lane tracking variations: at a speed of 90 km/hr, 1 second of inattention takes your mind off the road for 25 metres!
- An average 50% increase in your reaction time.
- Errors of perception and judgement.
Using the phone at the wheel affects your driving in a comparable way to alcohol. Don’t make or receive calls while you’re driving.