DSA Advice: Use Of Mobile Phones, Etc. When Driving

Highly appropriate advice from the DSA, this time about using mobile devices and in-car technology whilst moving:

Rule 149

You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, when driving or when supervising a learner driver, except to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop. Never use a hand-held microphone when driving. Using hands-free equipment is also likely to distract your attention from the road. It is far safer not to use any telephone while you are driving or riding – find a safe place to stop first or use the voice mail facility and listen to messages later.

Rule 150

There is a danger of driver distraction being caused by in-vehicle systems such as satellite navigation systems, congestion warning systems, PCs, multi-media, etc. You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. Do not rely on driver assistance systems such as cruise control or lane departure warnings. They are available to assist but you should not reduce your concentration levels. Do not be distracted by maps or screen-based information (such as navigation or vehicle management systems) while driving or riding. If necessary find a safe place to stop.

Remember that MUST and MUST NOT mean you are breaking the Law if you do the opposite. That’s something the woman driving the blue Skoda Fabia (reg. no. S13 XYK ) in West Bridgford the other day ought to bear in mind. She was clearly using her mobile to text whilst waiting at traffic lights and – unbelievably – as she drove off through them and turned left on to Trevor Road towards West Bridgford town centre.

(Visited 12 times, 1 visits today)