by Poppy Reid

Created on: May 16, 2011   Last Updated: April 15, 2012

Mobile phones and driving do not bode well together.  In the UK, it is already illegal to use a mobile whilst driving, for obvious health and safety issues.  If a policeman sees you using a mobile whilst driving, you can be fined or even taken to court.  Many traffic accidents have been caused when a driver has been using a mobile phone, as it vastly decreases your ability to drive.  Here are a few issues mobile phone use causes whilst driving your car.

• Concentration on what you're doing

When having a conversation, performing tasks around you becomes more difficult - it's natural, that if we concentrate on more than one thing, our concentration is divided.  Have you ever tried cooking, reading or writing something whilst someone is speaking to you?  If you're driving whilst talking or texting on a mobile phone, you are less likely to have your full attention on the road.  Therefore, you're more likely to miss important things, and potentially have an accident.

• Losing a hand to drive with

Holding a mobile means you can't use one of your hands for driving.  Most people always have two hands on the steering wheel when they drive, and holding a mobile means you only have half the control you usually have.  Add that to half the concentration, and you only have a quarter of your usual driver's capability.  And if you're texting, you also have to keep glancing down every few seconds - not good when you're part of a busy road that needs full attention.

• Awareness of the road and other drivers

Being absorbed in a conversation can make you forget about drivers around you.  When you aren't concentrating on a car that's behind you, near you or trying to overtake you, you can end up noticing it suddenly or accidentally getting in their way.  Not only can this make you look like a bad driver, but it can be potentially dangerous.  A big part of driving is being aware of the other cars around you, and this is nearly impossible if you're chatting on a mobile phone.

In many countries, it's already illegal to use a phone whilst behind the steering wheel of a car, and for very good reason.  So, yes, in countries where it's still okay to use them, a law should be passed banning them.  Get a handsfree kit - they're safer - or simply stop your car if you need to make a call.  Don't risk it.

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