by Benson Agoha | Woolwich
The new measure has British road safety groups applauding the government plan to ramp up penalties on drivers using handheld phones while behind the wheel.
But high penalties, notwithstanding, the real aim is deterrence, and with the increased penalties needing to be accompanied by effective enforcement, it easy to understand why.
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| * A woman is caught taking a selfie while driving, ignoring safety precautions. (Credit: Warrds Auto) |
Motorist beware, Government is cracking down on drivers who ring up on the wheel, according a new report by Alan Harman on Wards Auto.
The new measure has British road safety groups applauding the government plan to ramp up penalties on drivers using handheld phones while behind the wheel.
Under the proposals planned for 2016, most first-time offenders will not incur a fixed penalty notice or penalty points but instead will be offered an educational course.
However for the majority of vehicles – cars, vans and motorbikes – the fine will go up 50% from £100 to £150 and the number of penalty points will be raised from three to four.
Additionally, a statement released by Andrew Jones, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State-Transport, says that for larger vehicles, where the consequences of a collision can be much more severe, the penalty points double from three to six.
Many drivers, like the model above think it fashionable to do selfies on the wheel or answer their phones while driving. Some have been seen clutching the phone with one hand while tuning the steering with the other, but the move exposes them to distraction that can be fatal.
One woman we noticed today along Nathan Way, SE28 was balancing the phone between her tummy and the steering - this we have been told, is also risky.
We asked people familiar with auto features that enable hands-free driving and According the Brian Woods, Manager of a property with several auto repairs shops, most new cars are now fitted with a hands-free mobile feature that drivers can simply enable by linking their bluetooth to the car, helping them receive calls without loosing grip of the steering.
"Road safety organization GEM Motoring Assist says the increased penalties are needed, noting using a phone while behind the wheel was a factor in 21 fatal accidents and 84 serious incidents last year", the report says.
Additionally, a statement released by Andrew Jones, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State-Transport, says that for larger vehicles, where the consequences of a collision can be much more severe, the penalty points double from three to six.
Many drivers, like the model above think it fashionable to do selfies on the wheel or answer their phones while driving. Some have been seen clutching the phone with one hand while tuning the steering with the other, but the move exposes them to distraction that can be fatal.
One woman we noticed today along Nathan Way, SE28 was balancing the phone between her tummy and the steering - this we have been told, is also risky.
We asked people familiar with auto features that enable hands-free driving and According the Brian Woods, Manager of a property with several auto repairs shops, most new cars are now fitted with a hands-free mobile feature that drivers can simply enable by linking their bluetooth to the car, helping them receive calls without loosing grip of the steering.
"Road safety organization GEM Motoring Assist says the increased penalties are needed, noting using a phone while behind the wheel was a factor in 21 fatal accidents and 84 serious incidents last year", the report says.
GEM CEO David Williams says in a statement: “Using a mobile phone at the wheel is reckless and costs lives,” adding “Our members consistently rate it as one of the most dangerous actions performed by drivers.”
But high penalties, notwithstanding, the real aim is deterrence, and with the increased penalties needing to be accompanied by effective enforcement, it easy to understand why.
The penalties, David Williams says “..would then help to create a worthwhile deterrent and a safer road environment for everyone”.
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