Road Traffic Offences: Mobile Phones

Department for Transport written question – answered at on 8 May 2019.

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Photo of Lord Berkeley Lord Berkeley Labour

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many drivers using mobile phones while driving have been convicted of causing death or serious injury in the last five years; and what assessment they have made of whether drivers using hands-free or other mobile devices have a greater risk of causing an accident.

Photo of Baroness Vere of Norbiton Baroness Vere of Norbiton Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip), Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Ministry of Justice court proceedings database does not distinguish convictions involving mobile phone use from the broader offences of causing death/serious injury by dangerous driving.

The Department for Transport has not carried out an assessment of hands-free mobile phone use, or use of other mobile devices such as satellite navigation equipment, while driving. The Highway Code stresses the importance of proper concentration while driving. If someone drives poorly because they are distracted by a phone conversation, for example, even if using hands-free, then the police can take enforcement action for failing to have proper control of the vehicle.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes0 people think so

No6 people think not

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