Safe Use of Mobile Devices While Driving

In the UK, it’s essential to understand the laws and best practices for mobile use while driving to ensure road safety. Here’s a guide on how can you use a mobile device safely while driving to help you stay safe, avoid penalties, and remain focused behind the wheel.

Understanding the Law in the UK

• Hands-Free vs. Hand-Held: It’s illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or in a traffic jam. The only exception is if you’re calling emergency services and it’s unsafe to stop.
• Hands-Free Systems: While using hands-free devices is allowed, the driver must stay in full control of the vehicle at all times. Distraction from a hands-free device can still lead to a charge if it results in dangerous driving.
• Penalties: Drivers caught using a hand-held phone can face a £200 fine and 6 points on their license. If you’re a new driver, you could lose your license entirely with just one offense.

Tips for Safe Mobile Device Use

Set Up Before You Drive: Set up navigation, music playlists, and any other hands-free functionalities before starting your journey. If you need to change settings or apps, pull over to a safe place first.

• Use Voice-Activated Commands: Most smartphones and in-car systems now offer voice-activated commands. These allow you to make calls, change music, and respond to messages without taking your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.
• Place Your Device in a Safe, Fixed Position: Use a dashboard or windshield mount to keep your phone within easy view if it’s being used for navigation. This way, you can see directions without holding or looking down at your phone.

When to Avoid Even Hands-Free Devices?

• High-Traffic or Complex Situations: If you’re in an area with heavy traffic, complex intersections, or during bad weather, it’s best to avoid even hands-free calls to remain fully focused.
• During Important Notifications: Turn off notifications for non-urgent messages while driving to minimize distractions. Most smartphones offer a “Do Not Disturb” mode for driving to block all but the most essential notifications.

Avoid Texting and Social Media Completely

• The Danger of Texting: Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. At 30 mph, that’s enough time to travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.
• Social Media is a No-Go: Using a mobile device while driving to check your social media is as dangerous as texting. Save social media and messaging for when you’re safely parked.

Pull Over if You Must Use Your Phone

• Safe Stops for Emergencies: If there’s an emergency or you need to respond to a call, pull over to a safe location. Never stop in an unsafe place, such as a motorway hard shoulder, just to check your phone.
• Parked Cars Only: UK law only allows you to use a mobile phone when the vehicle is safely parked with the engine off. Simply stopping at traffic lights or in a traffic jam does not count as parking.

Concluding Thoughts

Ensuring safe use of mobile devices while driving is about staying within the law and prioritizing focus on the road. The best approach is to limit phone use as much as possible and prepare all mobile-related functions before you set off. By staying aware and practicing these habits, you can reduce distractions, stay safe, and protect others on the road. For more tips and resources to improve your driving knowledge, continue learning with RayApp, your trusted companion for the UK driving theory test.