| New guidelines mean that drivers caught using | | | | hands-free kit attached to your phone would |
| a mobile phone handset while driving risk up | | | | be the solution, but even this is seen as a |
| to two years in jail. This has come about | | | | distraction. Many employers are now banning |
| after it was announced in September 2007 that | | | | mobile phones and hands-free kits from their |
| too many drivers are ignoring the ban on | | | | company cars altogether. |
| phone usage while on the move. | | | | |
| | | | If you must take your phone with you, keep it |
| The standard penalty of a fine and points | | | | on silent so the ringing doesn't distract |
| still applies, but those drivers who appear | | | | you, and stop every so often - in a safe |
| to be driving rather more dangerously while | | | | place of course - and check your calls. If |
| under the influence of technology could face | | | | you have a passenger, let them field your |
| the jail term. A conviction of dangerous | | | | calls, and relay messages. |
| driving carries a maximum term of two years. | | | | |
| | | | If your phone allows it, set up your own |
| And it's not just speaking on the phone that | | | | voicemail message stating that you are |
| could land you in jail. Anything which | | | | driving, and adjust your settings to |
| distracts your attention away from the road | | | | straight-to-voicemail. Anything you can do to |
| such as sending a text message or fiddling | | | | reduce the risk of being distracted means |
| around with your satellite navigation can | | | | you're less likely to get pulled over. |
| also get you prosecuted. | | | | |
| | | | Pay as you go, don't say as you go. |
| You'd be forgiven for thinking that a | | | | |