RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

March 20, 2002
NEW MOBILE PHONE BAN WELCOMED

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today welcomed news that the Republic of Ireland is to outlaw the use of hand-held phones while driving. RoSPA hopes the move will strengthen the case for a similar ban in the United Kingdom.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “Many countries in Europe and around the world have introduced a ban in the interests of road safety, and we hope the UK follows Ireland’s example very soon.”

RoSPA says that research indicates that using a mobile phone on the move, whether hand-held or hands-free, increases the likelihood of a driver having an accident.

The Society believes a specific offence is needed to make it crystal clear to motorists that they should not use a mobile while driving.

RoSPA knows of at least 17 deaths on Britain’s roads where mobile phones have been implicated, but believes there could have been many more. The Society fears thousands of accidents have taken place because of mobiles, but they do not appear in official statistics.

Kevin Clinton added: “Police have used a variety of offences to take action against mobile phone drivers, but the evidence of our own eyes shows motorists are still ignoring the safety advice, or are confused by the current laws. A specific offence would clarify the law for everyone and would mean they have no excuse for doing it.

“We understand that a Bill by Janet Anderson, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, calling for a ban on drivers using hand-held phones while at the wheel will go before the House of Commons again next month. We hope the news from Ireland will persuade MPs to give it their support.

“The only safe way for drivers to use a mobile in a vehicle is when they have stopped in a safe place.”