Mobile Phone Use Behind The Wheel – How Big Is The Problem?

A survey has found that almost half of all fleet drivers have witnessed another driver ‘taking a selfie’ behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.

It follows several reports about the dangers of mobile phones (and other handheld devices) being used behind the wheel, including a government report on the increased risks of accidents.

Distracted driving and poor driving behaviours are a concern for all drivers but with fleet drivers clocking up many more miles than the average commuter or driver, they’re much more likely to be affected.

Using a mobile device that isn’t hands-free for any purpose while driving is an office, something which changed by law in 2022.

The previous rules stated that it was only illegal to use a mobile device while driving to make or receive phone calls or send messages. But with mobile devices used for everything from music to navigation and social media, the rules needed an update.

But is enough being done to deter drivers from using mobile devices while driving?

Mobile Phones While Driving – The Big Issue

There’s no excuse of a lack of awareness of driving laws relating to mobile phones today, they’ve been in place since 2003 and while updated a couple of years ago, everyone understands that you can’t operate a mobile device that’s not hands free while driving.

The big question is, are we doing enough being done to tackle distracted driving?

Experts are arguing that while the reduction in fines over the years is a natural result of the law and how long it’s been in force, the reality is that many people who use a mobile device while driving simply aren’t being caught.

Another recent study found that 93% of drivers have recently witnessed another road user using a mobile phone behind the wheel, so are we relying too heavily on police physically catching offenders?

The fact that half of all motorists think it’s unlikely they’ll be caught using a mobile device while driving adds some weight to that notion.

Is AI A Solution For Distracted Driving?

With the introduction of more cameras and smarter technology on smart motorways and other roads, the question is being asked as to where else new technology can be applied.

AI cameras are one way the Department for Transport (DfT) is looking to use technology to their advantage.

By automatically detecting when a road user is using a mobile device while operating a vehicle, they can issue fines in much the same way that smart motorway cameras catch speeding offenders.

Operation SNAP is doing a good job of utilising dashcam footage for a similar purpose, but a more advanced and coherent strategy could act as a serious deterrent for drivers considering offending.

The punishment for being caught driving while using a mobile device is a maximum fine of £1,000 and six points on your licence, while there is also the potential for the punishment to extend to a driving ban.

What do you think of the current mobile phone driving laws – are they strict enough? And do you think more needs to be done to catch offenders? Let us know in the comments below.