by Anton Balkitis
Van drivers are twice as likely to commit mobile phone offences according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists
Van drivers got a kicking this week from the Institute of Advanced Motorists after a study showed they were twice as likely to commit mobile phone offences while driving as car drivers.
“The horrendous figures for van users show that fleets and companies must have clear and consistent mobile phone policies that are enforced,” says the IAM’s policy director Neil Greig.
“If using a phone while driving is against company policy then disciplinary action must follow.”
The thing is, many van drivers work for themselves. What are they supposed to do, thoroughly discipline themselves?
Threats from those employed by larger businesses might work, but ideally the law needs tightening up, coupled with a cultural shift; mobile phone use at the wheel still doesn’t have the same social stigma attached to it as drink driving.
This is concerning, particularly as the figures in the aforementioned study have been used by the Department for Transport to point out that many of the motorists observed flouting the law were using their mobiles for texting or social media purposes, rather than indulging in a quaint pastime such as talking.
The government has discussed increasing the penalty for the offence, but as things stand, you’ll receive a £100 automatic fixed penalty if you’re caught using a hand-held device while driving.
You’ll also get three penalty points on your licence.
You can use hands-free phones, sat navs and 2-way radios when you’re driving, but if the police think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle you could be stopped and penalised.
For more information on mobile phone offences and dangerous driving contact our motoring offence solicitors for advice on 0800 046 3066
