Ministers are planning an informal meeting with mobile phone companies to discuss the possibility of adding a “drive safe” mode into future devices, in a bid to crackdown on illegal mobile phone usage on Britain’s roads. The function would be similar to “airplane mode” but would allow the driver to make emergency calls or receive certain calls. Drive safe mode would also cut phone signal using GPS technology when one is driving at certain speeds.
Although the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) is yet to release an official statement regarding the matter, The Guardian reports that Lord Ahmad, the transport minister said the meeting would “consider safe drive modes, or other practical applications, when a person is driving,”
Furthermore, a DfT spokesperson said: “We are determined to crack down on mobile phone use at the wheel. Our plans to double penalties for this serious crime should act as an incredibly strong deterrent. We will continue to explore what more can be done to tackle this crime.”
Using a mobile phone while driving was declared illegal in December 2003 but motorists have largely ignored the law. Ministers are now concerned by the number of deaths attributed to the offense. Next year, the government plans to double fines to £200 and penalty points to six. Repeat offenders may have to pay fines of up to £1,000 and a driving ban of at least six months.
Road safety campaigners commended the move by the government, Gary Rae, the campaigns director for road safety charity Brake, saying: “We’re pleased that Lord Ahmad is looking into this. The use of mobiles behind the wheel is a growing menace.
“Drivers who use phones, either hands-free or handheld, have been found by researchers to be four times more likely to be in a crash resulting in injuries than drivers who were not distracted.
“The technology exists now to shut off mobiles when they’re in a vehicle. It just needs the political will to make this happen. We’re ready to take part in any talks between government, vehicle manufacturers and mobile operators.”