Many of us look up to celebrities and treat them as role models, but those thinking of following the example of using a mobile phone while driving, set by Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Jeremy Clarkson, should think again.
Research from a car insurance comparison website states that despite high-profile advertising campaigns, one in two of us still claim we have seen someone using a mobile phone and texting while driving, while one in three of us admit to doing it ourselves.
Despite the apparent apathy from motorists, police have adopted a zero tolerance policy. In 2007, the number of motorists using handheld devices leapt by 42 per cent, but convictions also increased by 18 per cent month-to-month. Clearly drivers still believe they can send a text message without losing control of their vehicle. However, taking your eyes off the road even for a second can lead to a potentially fatal accident.
In addition, using a mobile phone behind the wheel can drive up your car insurance premiums. Being convicted of using a mobile phone while driving will almost certainly lead to a rise in your car insurance renewal costs and your insurer could even refuse to pay out on a claim.
So what is the solution?
The best advice is to switch your mobile phones off while driving. If you feel you can’t afford to do this, then pull over into a safe place to return any phone calls you receive. Alternatively, fit a hands-free kit so you won’t have to take your hands off the wheel.
Check your car insurance policy too, to see if your insurer will refuse a payout in the event that you are the cause of a mobile phone-related accident. Hanging on to cheap car insurance is surely worth more than hanging on the telephone.
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