Disqus
Bluetooth accessories maker Jabra surveyed over 2,000 people in the UK to find out what people think about using a mobile phone while driving. Apparently, 93% of motorists are aware that using a handset while at the wheel without a handsfree kit could now be treated as dangerous driving and carry a prison sentence of up to two years. It’s cool to know that many people are aware about it. However, what came as a surprise is that 68% of British motorists think that this penalty should be tougher, even though a prison sentence is already included in the “mix.”
The idea behind respondents’ answers is that nothing works like a really tough penalty, which would encourage drivers to stop using their handheld at the wheel. According to Jabra, this “tough line” is being driven by the fact that more than half of respondents had at one point or another felt endangered by phone addict drivers clearly holding their phones to their ear while driving.
The survey showed that of those continuing to use their phone whilst driving, 25% state, “I am not likely to get caught,” and a further 24% cite that they just couldn’t miss a call. Furthermore, 12% of respondents knew someone who had been caught by the police, and only 3% admitted that they’d ever been caught.
So what should people do? Obviously get themselves either headsets or car kits. Apparently, 62% of drivers are doing just that, with 20% of them saying that they’d considered buying a hands free kit to avoid going to prison. On the other hand, 17% have actually stopped using their phone as a result of the new law.
“This survey highlights the fact that although the majority of the population know about the Driving Legislation, many feel harsher penalties are needed for those that continue to risk lives by ignoring the law. In today’s stressful and busy lifestyle the need to use the phone whilst driving is a reality and drivers must remember that if they have to use the phone, to do it handsfree.” commented Andrew Doyle, Jabra’s UK Sales Director.
About The Author
Dusan Belic
Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.
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Will Park
