Navigating the Roads Safely: A PCO Driver's Guide to Mobile Phone Usage
Introduction:
Driving as a PCO driver requires a delicate balance between staying connected with customers and maintaining road safety https://www.capitalhiremanagement.co.uk/. In recent times, there has been a concerning increase in the use of mobile phones while driving, posing risks not only to drivers but also to passengers and the public at large. In this article, the Capital Hire Management Ltd. Team has compiled a comprehensive guide for PCO drivers, addressing the dangers associated with mobile phone usage, current and upcoming laws, and essential tips to ensure safety on the road. https://www.capitalhiremanagement.co.uk/car-listing
The Dangers of Mobile Phone Use While Driving:
The Capital Hire Management Ltd. Team has observed a rising trend in using mobile phones while driving, leading to both physical and cognitive distractions. Operating a hand-held mobile phone requires removing one hand from the steering wheel, reducing control over the vehicle, and increasing the risk of accidents. https://www.capitalhiremanagement.co.uk/. The use of mobile phones also diminishes awareness of surroundings and reaction times, making drivers susceptible to dangerous situations. Shockingly, using any phone while driving increases the likelihood of a crash by four times, according to road safety charity Brake.
Quick Facts About Mobile Phone Use While Driving:
v
Mobile phone use
contributes to 1.6 million crashes annually, and 25% of accidents are a result
of texting and driving, according to the National Safety Council USA.
v
Texting while driving is
equivalent to driving blind for 5 seconds at a time, as stated by the Virginia
Tech Transportation Institute.
v
Mobile phone use makes
driving accidents four times more likely compared to not using a phone,
according to the World Health Organization.
v
In Britain, crashes
involving drivers distracted by mobile phones resulted in the death of 17
individuals on the roads. Furthermore, 114 people suffered serious injuries,
and 385 sustained slight injuries in such collisions, according to the
Department for Transport.
v
The actual number of
incidents may be higher since some cases are not reported to the police, as
mentioned by the Department for Transport.
When Can and Can't You Use a Mobile Phone?
The current laws regarding mobile phone use while driving can be confusing for PCO drivers https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law. It is illegal to text or make a phone call using a hand-held device while the engine is running, even if stopped at a traffic light or queuing in traffic. Exceptions include using a mobile phone when the car is safely parked with the engine switched off or when calling emergency services (999 or 112) in an unsafe or impractical situation. Otherwise, hands-free access is mandatory, and failure to comply results in a £200 fine and 6 points on the driver's license.
New Mobile Phone Driving Laws:
Effective from 2022, drivers are prohibited from taking
photos or videos, scrolling through playlists, browsing social media, or
playing games on their phones, even when the car is at a standstill in traffic.
However, drivers can still use their devices for satellite navigation, provided
it is securely mounted. An exemption is made for contactless payments.
Penalties for using a handheld device while driving remain unchanged, with a
£200 fixed penalty notice and six points on the license.
Top Tips for Staying Safe on the Road:
To navigate the roads safely while staying connected, PCO
drivers can follow these essential tips:
1.
Prepare hands-free devices,
such as a Bluetooth headset, for necessary communication.
2.
Utilize voice commands and
a built-in sat-nav for navigation.
3.
Turn off notification
sounds, including those from social apps, to minimize distractions.
4.
Ensure you have a
windscreen mount that does not obstruct your view of the road and traffic
ahead.
5.
Stay in complete control of
your vehicle and always remain focused.
Conclusion:
As a PCO driver, prioritising safety on the road is
paramount. Mobile phone usage, if not managed responsibly, can pose serious
risks. By understanding and adhering to current and upcoming laws and
implementing the recommended safety tips, PCO drivers can strike a balance
between staying connected and ensuring the well-being of themselves, their
passengers, and the public. Safe driving requires undivided attention, and every
PCO driver must contribute to road safety by adopting responsible mobile phone
usage practices.
Capital Hire Management Ltd. is London's best PCO car rental
company, dedicated to providing top-notch vehicles and exceptional services to
professional drivers like you! If you are looking for cheap car hire for PCO
car rental please visit our website https://www.capitalhiremanagement.co.uk/
to explore our latest fleet, our all PCO Car is well-maintained, modern
PCO-licensed vehicles. We offer Executive, Hybrid, and electric cars to ensure
you find the perfect match for your driving preferences and passenger
requirements.
