On 1st March 2017, changes were made to penalties regarding the use of mobile phones while driving. Since 2003 it has been illegal to use a handheld device while driving, but now the penalties have doubled. If you’re caught using a mobile phone while driving, whether that’s to call, text, look up a new route, or change what music you’re listening to – it’s a £200 fine and 6 points on your license. And if you’re within 2 years of gaining your license, it will be revoked.

The key facts are: if you use a mobile phone while driving, you are 4 times more likely to be in an accident, and a quarter of crashes are caused by someone who drives for work.

What does this all mean for businesses who have employees who drive for work? Well, your Health and Safety Policy should already include details about the handheld ban, but this is a great opportunity to reiterate the point with staff.

There are also legal implications for businesses if their employees are involved in a traffic accident. Employers may be open to prosecution:

  • If they cause or permit an employee to drive while using a phone or to not have proper control of the vehicle.
  • If they require an employee to make or receive calls whilst driving.
  • If an employee drives dangerously because they’re using a phone installed by their employer.

For the sake of your employees, and everyone else on the road, it’s vital that you emphasise that your organisation forbids them from using handheld devices while they drive. Lives are truly at stake.

For more information on including driver safety in your policies, contact us on 0141 244 0181 or email info@amalgamate-safety.com