More motorists booked for using mobile phones

Channelnewsasia.com
More motorists booked for using mobile phones illegally while driving
By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : The number of drivers nabbed using their mobile phones has more than tripled over the past three years.

But getting caught could have saved their lives.

Research from Australia shows using a phone while driving increases the risk of a crash by four times.

In 2002, 606 summonses were issued to drivers for using their phones illegally while driving.

This jumped to nearly 1,300 in 2003 and more than 1,800 last year.

And the number is likely to rise again this year, with nearly 1,300 drivers already booked between January and June.

The penalty for first time offenders - 12 demerit points and a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

But other consequences can be fatal.

The police do not keep statistics on the number of road accidents that involve the use of mobile phones.

But research from Australia shows that drivers that use their phones while on the move quadruple the risk of crashing and that's regardless of whether they are holding the phone or using a hands-free kit.

Talking on the phone while driving is legal so long as the motorist is not holding on to the phone while the vehicle is moving.

But the Automobile Association of Singapore does not encourage the habit.

Catherine Chan, Spokesman, Automobile Association, said: "We would advise drivers to avoid using the handphone as far as possible because it's a form of distraction. And if you have to keep the conversation short and if you anticipate the call to take longer do pull over to a safe spot to take it."

The AA says a ban on motorists using phones is probably not practical and sometimes a phone left ringing can be just as distracting as having a short conversation.

The police have no plans to review the current laws but say motorists can be prosecuted for careless or dangerous driving if involved in an accident while using a mobile phone, even if used legally. - CNA /ch