Motorists who use their mobile phones behind the wheel or are convicted of causing death by dangerous driving face being banned from driving for life, according to the head of a road safety charity. Howard Jones, chief executive of RoadPeace, argues courts have the power to impose such severe penalties but claims they are “virtually unheard of”.
Mr. Jones said: “Research shows that a driver using a handheld or hands-free phone is four times more likely to be involved in a collision than an un-distracted driver.”
“The lenient sentences handed down to those who choose to ignore these dangers fail to reflect the true severity of their crimes. Courts have the power to impose lifetime driving bans, yet such sentences are virtually unheard of.”
“Why should someone who has caused death or life-altering injuries through their reckless actions ever be allowed to drive again? ” Information on GOV. UK warns drivers of the penalties for being caught holding and using devices like mobile phones while driving, including £200 fines, six penalty points, and losing their license if they are new drivers.
Additionally, drivers may be given three penalty points if their view of the road is obstructed, as well as being at risk of being banned from driving, with a fine limit of £1,000, or £2,500 for lorry or bus drivers. It’s against the law to hold and operate a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device capable of sending or receiving data while driving or riding a motorcycle, reports Birmingham Live.
This implies that you are not allowed to use a handheld device for any purpose, whether connected to the internet or not.