AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Mobile phones can be killers

29th May 1997, Page 47
29th May 1997
Page 47
Page 47, 29th May 1997 — Mobile phones can be killers
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Arecent decision of a crown court judge has highlighted the need for absolute care in use of mobile phones. A motorist was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He was using a hand-held mobile phone to listen to messages. When he put the phone down, he inadvertently swerved on to the wrong side of the road, hit an oncoming car and killed the occupant.

He was convicted of cousindeath by dangerous driving. The case has been adjourned for sentence but the judge has indicated that a custodial sentence is likely. This reflects the increasingly hard stand taken by the courts in relation to mobile phones, The Highway Code says: "You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times, Do not use a hand-held telephone or microphone while you are driving. Find a safe place to stop first. Do not speak into hands-free microphones if it will take your mind off the road."

If a police officer sees a driver using a hand-held telephone while he is driving, that driver will be committing a breach of the Highway Code, While that is not an offence in itself it could form the basis of an allegation of careless driving or dri ving without reasonable con sideration for other rood users, even if there is no accident.

If a driver is involved in an

Tags


comments powered by Disqus