RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

October 5 , 2005
NEW WARNING TO CAR FLEET BOSSES OVER MOBILE PHONE USE

New figures on the use of mobile phones by drivers were a warning to all fleet bosses to ensure they had clear policies in place to manage the problem, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today.

A recent survey for the Department of Transport revealed that 1.5 per cent of car drivers and 2.4 per cent of lorry and van drivers were using hand-held mobile phones at the wheel.

Charles Davis, RoSPA Head of Driver and Fleet Solutions, said: “That may only be a small percentage, but it still means that thousands of drivers are flouting the law and risking killing someone every day.

“With 2.5 million people driving as part of their job, there is a good chance that many of those breaking the law are at work at the time. This is a timely reminder that companies need to have policies in place banning the use of mobiles while driving for work and checking that those policies are being followed by all employees.

“If employers provide a phone, they have a responsibility in law to ensure that it is used safely. Research shows that using a mobile whether hand-held or hands-free makes you four times more likely to have an accident because of the distraction of the telephone conversation.

“‘No mobile while mobile!’ is the message employers need to be promoting.

“The Road Safety Bill currently going through Parliament will mean that in future drivers using a hand-held phone will get a £60 fine and three points on their licence. People who persistently use phones could soon find themselves facing a ban and that could cost some their job. It also means employers have the problem of finding new staff to replace them.

“But employers also have a moral responsibility to protect their employees and those on the road around them. Mobile phones need to be dealt with as part of an overall policy for managing occupational road risk.”

RoSPA has produced a free leaflet for employers needing help with mobile phone policies (see www.rospa.com/roadsafety/info/workmobiles.pdf ) .