Should one drive using a mobile phone?

Do you use a mobile or cellphone when you drive?

Or perhaps while you’re waiting at traffic signals?

Or waiting at the crowdy areas where traffic jam has occurred?

If the ANSWER to ANY of the above question is YES, you are certainly breaking the law.

Even if it is with HANDS FREE, it is still dangerous as it takes your attention. While driving itself needs full attention of the driver.

Several studies were carried out to assess the harmful impacts of using mobile phone during driving. Most of these indicate the harmful consequences of driver distraction associated with the use of cell phones while driving, whether hand-held or hands-free.

According to a research by European Road Safety Observatory:

• The most important negative factor associated with using a cell phone while driving, whether hands-free or hand-held, is the diversion of attention from driving to the conversation itself.
• Driver reaction times are 30% slower when telephoning while driving than driving with Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels of 80mg/100ml (for most people after one alcoholic drink) and 50% slower than under normal driving conditions.
• The use of cell phones while driving is widespread among young novice drivers and adds to the already higher accident risk associated with this group of drivers.
• Older drivers can find it more difficult than drivers in general to conduct two tasks at the same time: driving and phone conversation.”

Comparison of Law in different countries:

Different countries operate under different laws, however most nowadays don’t allow use of a phone while driving. Lets take a quick round:

France: 

Mobile cellular telephones may not be used while driving. Using headphones when driving is forbidden. This includes mobile phones with headsets. 

United Kingdom:

It’s illegal to use your phone while driving unless you have hands-free access. 

The law still applies to you if you’re waiting at  traffic signal, stuck in jam or teaching someone how to drive. The only provision is to call 999 or 112 in case of an emergency, however you need to stop and park your car once on side of the road.

If you passed your driving test in the UK in the last 2 years, you’ll lose your license if you’re caught driving with a mobile.

Spain:

The use of headphones and earphones is completely prohibited.

Switzerland:

Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.

Thailand:

Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.

Japan:

The use of mobile phone is completely prohibited.

The USA:

In US, the law depends on which state you are in. In some states it is completely prohibited. In others, a partial use with hands-free is allowed.

Pakistan:

Lastly for Pakistan, the use of a mobile phone during driving is prohibited. If caught you will be charged fine that ranges from 300-1000 PKR, the amount is low, therefore people still use during driving.

Experts suggest that you should be able to resist a phone. However if you can’t resist using your phone, put it somewhere well out of reach and sight e.g in the bag or dashboard.