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