Hands-free phone chats at the wheel are as risky as driving while holding your mobile and should be banned, expert warns

MPs were told hands-free phone conversations are no less dangerous while driving. Experts warn that using a hands-free kit is as risky – if not more so – than driving at the UK’s legal alcohol limit.

A hands-free phone conversation while driving is just as dangerous as chatting while holding your phone, MPs were told yesterday.

Experts also said using a hands-free kit is as risky – if not more so – than driving at the legal alcohol limit.

In March 2017, the Government doubled the punishment for using a hand-held phone at the wheel to six penalty points and a £200 fine.

But Dr Shaun Helman, of the Transport Research Laboratory, said it should be extended to the use of hands-free devices.

He told the Commons transport committee that hands-free conversations are just as distracting.

This was echoed by Open University’s Dr Gemma Briggs, who said a conversation with a passenger is less dangerous than talking to someone on a hands-free device.

She explained: ‘This is because you create mental images of where they are, what they’re discussing, what they’re up to, and the mental resources required to create those mental images are also required for accurate perception of that driving situation.’

Source: Hands-free phones ‘just as distracting as hand-held’

RoSPA have recently published a series of video clips containing advice on group riding, where a motorcycle trainer shares his experiences of organising group rides. The clips are designed for those who have not organised a group ride before and contain advice to help riders ensure maximum safety and enjoyment while taking part in their group ride, whilst avoiding common pitfalls.

Brexit is sending shockwaves across the UK and the latest fallout from the deal could impact British motorists.

Driving in the EU may become extremely expensive for expat motorists currently living in the EU to remain on the roads legally.

The costs of driving in the EU after the 29th March have been looked into after 20 per cent of Britons were planning on, or considering, driving in one or more EU countries at some point in the next year.

Collectively, the cost of International Driving Permits which British motorists will be required to buy to drive in EU countries could cost as much a £36 billion.

Source: Brexit SHOCK: British drivers may have to pay £1,800 to be able to legally drive in March

It is now posible to pay your 2019 road tax.

The easiest way is online at https://www.jccsmart.com/.

For full details see the road tax page on this site.

TThe Department of Transport (DfT) published two documents outlining the bureaucracy facing drivers planning holidays or living abroad if Theresa May’s Brexit deal is rejected this evening.

The DfT said if no agreement is reached with Brussels, anyone with a UK driving licence may need to purchase an International Driving Permit (IDP) for £5.50 from the Post Office if they want to drive within in the EU after March 29.

But it warned a no-deal Brexit could pose a much bigger headache for many of the 1.3million Britons living within the EU. They will not be able to apply for an IDP.

Instead they will have to exchange their British licence for a local one before the UK leaves the EU if they want to be able to continue driving there.

The DfT warned that ‘increased demand may lead to longer processing times and delays to exchanging driving licences the closer it is to March 29, 2019’.

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Source: Up to a million Britons face new driving text if there’s no-deal

Police launched a week-long campaign on Monday on traffic lights, to stamp down on those driving through red lights and creeping over lines.

This will be the sixth such campaign this year, police said, as part of efforts for the prevention and reduction of road accidents, but also raise road safety awareness among drivers.

The campaign will continue until Sunday.

Source: Police launch traffic light campaign – Cyprus Mail