FEATURED POST
New mobile phone driving laws: What they mean for PCO drivers
We all know driving can be potentially dangerous without full concentration. Using your mobile phone whilst driving is definitely distracting, however as a PCO driver, you also know somehow you need to use a mobile phone to pick up customers and navigate around the city.
In this article, the Otto Team has put together a PCO driver guide about mobile phone usage, covering the dangers, current and future laws, and top tips to stay safe whilst earning on the road.
The risks of mobile phone use while driving
Otto Car’s Driver Development Team has noticed a rising trend in using mobile phones whilst driving, which is putting drivers, their passengers and the public at risk. And why is it dangerous to use a mobile phone while at the wheel? Simply put, it leads to both physical and cognitive distraction.
When using a hand-held mobile phone, you must remove one hand from the steering wheel to hold and operate the phone, while using only one hand to operate the vehicle. You must also devote part of your attention to operating the phone, even though you’re just trying to navigate to the passenger’s destination.
While you have to drive the car and respond to the complex traffic conditions, using a mobile phone means you have reduced awareness of surroundings and decreased reaction times, putting yourself and others in danger.
Great stat that hits home: using any phone driving makes you 4 times more likely to be in a crash, according to road safety charity Brake. We hope everyone gets home to their families safe.
Quick facts about mobile phone use while driving
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When can and can’t you use a mobile phone?
It’s actually a tricky question. We know it’s a bit confusing to some PCO drivers as the mobile phone driving laws left some grey areas.
Currently 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 queueing in traffic.
You are only legal to use a mobile phone when:
- Your car is safely parked and the engine is switched off, or
- You need to call the 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
Other than the above circumstances, you must:
- Have hands-free access
If you get caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, you’ll face a £200 fine and 6 points on your licence.
What are the new mobile phone driving laws about?
From 2022, drivers will not be allowed to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists, browse social media, or play games on their phones when driving, even when a car is at a standstill in traffic.
Drivers are still allowed to use their device for satellite navigation, provided it is secured in a cradle.
An exemption will be made for those making a contactless payment.
Penalties remain unchanged – anyone caught using their handheld device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
⚠️Driving requires undivided attention at all times. “A hands-free device can be used lawfully, Transport Select Committee, 2019 |
Top tips to make your profit while staying safe on the road
- Prepare hands-free devices, such as a Bluetooth headset for necessary communication
- Use voice commands or/and a built-in sat-nav
- Turn off notification sounds, including but not limited to social apps
- Make sure you have a windscreen mount that does not block your view of the road and traffic ahead
- Last but not least, stay in complete control of your vehicle and stay focused at at all times
Want to learn more?
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