Ignorance is not bliss for drivers as new mobile legislation is set to overtake UK motorists
Swindon, UK. - Six out of ten adults who currently use a mobile phone whilst driving a vehicle are confused about the implementation of the Government’s new driving legislation that prohibits motorists from holding a mobile phone and talking whilst driving a vehicle. This could potentially cause up to 4.3 million drivers to fall foul of the legislation when it comes into force on December 1st 2003.
Research commissioned by Plantronics, the leading manufacturer of lightweight communications headsets, has found that of the total number of people surveyed, over a fifth of motorists (22%) currently conduct conversations on a mobile phone whilst in control of a vehicle. Of those who admit to using a mobile phone whilst driving, 54% believe it is already an offence but have been carrying on regardless with an additional 5% completely ignorant as to the details of the forthcoming legislation.
Of more concern to the Government is that of those 22%, which amounts to over seven million drivers, 31%, approximately 2.2 million, have no intention of purchasing a hands free kit and would therefore put themselves in breach of the law after December 1st if they continue to use their mobile phones whilst driving.
This will come as unwelcome news to the Government as it seeks to improve road safety levels in the UK and will have unfortunate consequences for offenders who, if caught, will soon face the full force of the law. The Government is set to introduce a range of penalties for motorists who flout the new legislation ranging from a fixed £30 on the spot fine, potentially up to £1,000 fine and in some instances, a jail sentence.
The overall findings of the research indicate the Government has more work to do ahead of December 1st if motorists are to be fully aware of where they stand in relation to the statutory requirements of the law.
“The level of confusion surrounding the new legislation has to be a major concern as we approach December 1st. The primary concern for motorists is to ensure they continue to drive in a safe and responsible manner. As such, Plantronics is recommending that, where at all possible, motorists should pull over to the side of the road when making and receiving a call.” Said Graham Tebb, Plantronics, mobile legislation spokesperson. He continued, “In certain circumstances where it is not safe to pull over to the side of the road, drivers should invest in a headset that will offer the best sound quality, enabling them to concentrate on the road and drive responsibly. We have a range of headsets with noise-cancelling technology, which improve the accuracy of voice-dialling and voice-activated services enabling compliance with the legislation “
In a campaign designed to promote awareness of the forthcoming legislation and educate motorists as to the ramifications of the new law, Plantronics have launched, www.behandsfree.co.uk, a bespoke website designed to provide motorists with all the necessary information required to ensure they fully comply with the new legislation.
Notes to editors:
For additional comment from a Plantronics spokesperson in relation to the new driving legislation or for further information about the range of Plantronics mobile headsets, please contact either
Ed Fleming or Mark Ward
Republic PR
Tel: 020 7 379 5000
Email: edwardf@republicpr.com or mark@republicpr.com
Notes to Editors:
- The research was conducted by TNS Omninas on a face to face basis.
- The research was nationwide and conducted between adults from October 3-7.
- The number of respondents participating in the research was 1,040.
Statistical data
The percentages of figures included within the press release are taken from Department of Transport (DfT) statistics detailing the number of people holding current licences in the UK averaged out between 1999 and 2001. The total number of people with current driving licenses in the UK during this period according to the DfT is 32.3 million
About Plantronics
Plantronics introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. A publicly held company with approximately 2,500 employees, Plantronics is the leading provider of headsets to telephone companies and the business community worldwide. Plantronics headsets have been featured in numerous motion pictures and high-profile events, including Neil Armstrong’s historic “One small step for man” transmission from the moon in 1969. Plantronics, Inc., headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 20 countries. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorized Plantronics marketing partners. Information about the company and its products can be found at www.plantronics.com or by calling 0800 410014.
