Page 12 - Company Supplied Vehicles, Drivers' Manual v3

1.12 Mobile phones

All individuals driving on company business are personally responsible for their own safety and
the safety of others and we don’t encourage you to make or receive calls while driving, even if
hands free.

You must not use any device while driving to access the internet, use apps, read, write or send
emails, text or instant message or take, view or send moving or still images. Satellite navigation
devices are only to be used where the details have been entered prior to driving. Corrections
may only be entered when the vehicle is safely parked up.

Distraction while driving is a major cause of road incidents, with four in five crashes due to lack
of driver attention. Mobile phones are a major cause of distraction behind the wheel which is
why we do not encourage you to use your mobile phone while driving. There is compelling
evidence that even using hands free mobile phones affects driving performance and can lead to
serious injuries and fatalities.

1.12.1 Mobile phone legislation

It is illegal to hold a mobile phone, or other communication device, while driving.

The Highway Code states you must exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times.

Legislation came into force in 2017, which means offenders who drive using handheld phones
or similar devices will receive 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. There will not be any option to
take part in a driver improvement course. The legislative change means a new driver could lose
their licence if they are caught just once using their phone.

Under careless driving laws, motorists who are involved in a fatal incident whilst avoidably
distracted at the wheel could face a maximum 5 year prison sentence. This law permits courts
to imprison drivers who cause death by not paying due care to the road or to other road users.

Avoidable distractions, which courts will consider when sentencing motorists, include:

• using a mobile phone (calling or texting).
• drinking and eating.
• altering a satellite navigation device.
• anything else which takes their attention away from the road and which a court judges to
have been an avoidable distraction.

The legislation on mobile phone use may change and you should make sure you are always up
to date with the current legislation.

Commercial Drive4Life Handbook – January 2022 (Glen Dimplex Fleet Assistance – 01604 747269) Page 12 of 37