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RHA warns HGV drivers: pull over to answer your phone
Page 8
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By Chris Tindall THE ROAD HAULAGE Association (RHA) is advising hauliers to pull over to answer phone calls following a landmark case in which a woman was found guilty of causing death by careless driving after using a hands-free mobile phone kit.
Despite it still being legal to answer calls using the technology, it is expected that the case will force haulage companies to review their policy concerning drivers' use of mobile phones.
Sales boss Lynne-Marie Howden crashed and killed another driver after chatting on her hands-free phone for almost 40 minutes She was found not guilty of causing the death of Patricia Frostick by dangerous driving, but was found guilty of the lesser charge.
Chief Inspector Chris Lewis of Warwickshire Police says the law does not refer to hands-free kits and, therefore, taking a very quick call is permissible. However, he adds: "I cannot condone prolonged conversations which! believe lobe a distraction."
The Freight Transport Association warns that it is dangerous to draw conclusions from one case, but says "the implications are enormous': A spokeswoman adds that it is tracking these cases with interest.
However, the RHA says the legislation is woolly and clarification is needed. A spokeswoman says: "It's not just the legal ramifications, but the financial ramilications of having a vehicle off the road in an accident. You should pull over. It might not be the most convenient way of doing it, but it's got to be the safest."