social media rule
London (BBN)-If you’re aged 17 to 29 or a van driver you have probably checked your mobile while driving.
Researchers looked at habits in England and Scotland and found these groups of motorists most likely to look at mobile messages at the wheel, reports BBC.
Unsurprisingly, they found texting and using social media is now a bigger issue than drivers making calls.
But is glancing at Facebook off limits? We check out the rules.
YOU DEFINITELY CAN’T HOLD YOUR PHONE
It is illegal to use a mobile phone held in the hand while driving or while stopped with the engine on.
This has been the law since December 2003.
If you break this law, even if you are otherwise driving safely, you could face a fine of £100 and three penalty points on your licence.
WHAT ABOUT HANDS FREE?
If you are deemed not to be in control of a vehicle while using a hands-free phone you can still be prosecuted.
The penalties are the same as for using a hand-held phone.
BUT WATCH OUT BECAUSE…
You only need to be seen using a mobile phone while driving by police to be prosecuted.
But, if your driving is bad, or if there is a crash while you are using the phone, you could be prosecuted for careless driving, dangerous driving or, if someone is killed, for causing death by careless or dangerous driving.
Fines can be much greater and prison becomes almost certain if a death is caused.
OK, SO PHONES ARE RISKY. WHAT ABOUT SMOKING?
There are laws which mean smoking in company vehicles is illegal.
There will also be new laws later this year which will make it illegal to smoke in private cars which have children as passengers.
Otherwise, if lighting up is distracting you from driving safely you could potentially be pulled over by police and fined for careless driving.
AND EATING?
If eating at the wheel means you’re not able to drive carefully you could be stopped by police and fined.
Here’s some advice from Lorna Lee from the AA: “Eating at the wheel, having a drink, looking at the sat-nav – these can all be a distraction when you’re driving.
“Use your common sense. If you’re doing any of those things and there’s an accident you could be charged with careless or dangerous driving.”
Basically anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road is a distraction.
The maximum penalty for death by dangerous or careless driving is up to 14 years.
Careless driving has a fine of up to £5000 and three to nine points on your licence.
“No phone-call is worth risking an accident,” says Transport Minister Robert Goodwill.
“We will keep further deterrent measures under consideration,” he adds.
He’s probably glad Google Glass has been shelved…
BIGGEST DISTRACTIONS FOR DRIVERS
Using a mobile phone
Eating and drinking
Smoking
Changing music, heating
Reading or writing
Leaning over to the other side of the car
BBN/AS-26Feb15-11:10pm (BST)