whilst driving

1.14 The Department will consider further Think! Campaigns in the future to build on our
previously successful mobile phones campaign 10 .
1.15 The Department is aware of a number of technological solutions to dissuade
motorists from using their mobiles whilst driving. These tend to share a common
feature whereby the phone detects that it is moving faster than a certain number of
miles per hour and therefore diverts to a “drive safe mode”. The exact threshold for
this varies, but is often around 5-6mph. These technologies can prevent the phone
from ringing or otherwise alerting the owner that a call or text is coming through,
thereby reducing the temptation to use a phone whilst driving. They may
automatically respond to the person making the call or sending a text to say that the
recipient is currently driving and will return the call once they have reached their
destination.
1.16 If the driver does attempt to use the phone whilst driving, the screen will say that the
phone is in a form of “drive safe mode” although this can often be overridden if the
driver wishes. These technologies can include apps downloaded onto the
phone. We are also aware of devices installed on the windscreen which can
distinguish between a passenger’s phone and the driver’s.
1.17 A study by motoring research charity the RAC Foundation found that some 60% of
motorists would be happy to switch their electronic devices into a drive safe mode if it
was created 11 .
1.18 We would be grateful for views on the desirability of these technologies. Much
behaviour change work has shown that making it easier for people to do the right
thing – in this case, not using a mobile phone whilst driving – can reap significant
results. For example, putting fresh fruit and vegetables at the start of the school
lunch choices has made it easier for children to pick a healthy school
lunch. Similarly, it would seem logical to conclude that if a driver did not hear their
phone ring, they would be less tempted to answer it. Furthermore, an app
downloaded onto a phone is likely to be cheap or even free and certainly much less
than a fixed penalty notice or the cost of a course, should someone be caught.
1.19 We can foresee difficulties, particularly between distinguishing between the
passenger (who should be able to use their phone) and the driver. We can also
foresee difficulties where “drive safe mode” comes into operation for passengers on
trains. Is it sufficient to rely on the “drive safe mode” being turned off by a rail or car
passenger or is something more sophisticated necessary? These problems can no
doubt be overcome, but we would be grateful for views. If you do consider that these
technologies are desirable, it would be helpful to understand how you think they
might be encouraged.
10
http://think.direct.gov.uk/mobile-phones.html
11
http://www.racfoundation.org/media-centre/most-driver-back-car-safe-mode-for-mobile-phones-ipsos-mori-survey-shows-pressrelease
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