UK drivers issued £200 warning for 3 second habit | Tech News

UK drivers are being urged to stop utilizing handheld gadgets while driving as they might face a £200 wonderful and 6 penalty factors on their license. Whilst some situations could also be deemed as harmless, even utilizing a cell phone for satnav functions may end in a wonderful.

Matt Crole-Rees, car insurance coverage knowledgeable at Confused.com, mentioned: “Many drivers rely on their phones for navigation, but it’s important to remember that using a handheld device while driving is illegal, even if it’s only to check directions or enter a destination into a sat nav app. Our research found that 40% of drivers who admitted to being caught using their mobile phone while driving said they were checking or changing a navigation app at the time. Drivers caught using a handheld phone can face a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence.

“While sat navs could be extremely helpful, any route must be set earlier than beginning your journey. If you need to make modifications whereas on the street, you need to pull over and park someplace secure earlier than touching your system. As nicely because the legal dangers, utilizing a cellphone behind the wheel could be a main distraction. Taking your eyes off the street for even a few seconds can increase the risk of a collision and put different street customers at risk.

“Police are encouraging motorists to report unsafe driving through Operation SNAP, with dash cams playing an increasingly important role in identifying offences. If you witness dangerous behaviour, such as someone using their phone behind the wheel, dash cam footage can provide valuable evidence. Our dash cam reporting tool helps drivers submit footage to the relevant police force, making it easier to report incidents and support safer roads.”

Motorists face a £200 wonderful and 6 penalty factors for utilizing a handheld system in nearly any circumstance. Those who break the identical rule a number of instances could possibly be hit with heavier penalties, together with a driving ban and a bigger £1,000 wonderful.

In easy phrases, the principles state that motorists can’t contact or maintain your cellphone for any purpose whereas driving or using. Individuals may also use hands-free tech corresponding to Bluetooth or a mounted system and may use their system for sure choose causes.

For instance, drivers can use their cellphone to pay for gadgets at a drive-thru restaurant and may make a 999 call provided that stopping is taken into account unsafe.