THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK
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ot a mobile phone? Use it out on the road? Then turn to page 34 to see why those warbling little wonders may not be such a good idea when it comes to improving road safety. If one industry has benefited from the advent of mobile communications, it's road transport. Last minute drop? Get Fred on his mobile. Got a problem that needs sorting? Pick up the mobile. Instant communication is great. But when you use a mobile while driving do you disconnect the brain? Mobile phones are just one of many distractions that interrupt our concentration while driving,. What about listening to the radio? Or fiddling with a cassette tape? Or eyeing up that good-looking blonde? In truth we all let our minds wander far too much out on the road and given the pressures of modern living is it any wonder? But is it really such a good idea to drive a fully-laden 38tanner down the road with one hand on the wheel while holding a mobile phone in the other? And anyone who says they're not distracted from driving when they use a mobile phone, hands-free or otherwise, is either a fool or a liar. A recent spate of mobile phone-related accidents has understandably sparked off growing public concern. Now Road Safety Minister Baroness Hayman wants to create greater awareness of the dangers of using phones on the move, So far she's reported to be reluctant to bring in legislation to ban the use of mobiles in moving vehicles, but that could all change with the next high-profile pile-up. It's clearly safer to use a mobile phone while you're sitting still rather than on the move. After all, it's a lot harder to accidentally kill someone when you're parked up in a layby than at 40mph when your mind's wandering.