the driver's handbook

Mobile Phone Use While Driving
Driving while using a mobile phone can cause both physical
and cognitive (thought) distraction, leading to impaired driving
performance. Using a mobile phone while driving can significantly
impair a driver’s:
• reaction time
• visual search patterns or scanning the road ahead
• ability to maintain speed and position on the road
• ability to judge safe gaps in traffic
• general awareness of other road users.
Research has shown that using a mobile phone while driving
increases crash risk by at least four times. Typically, run-off-the-road
crashes and rear-end crashes are most commonly associated with
mobile phone usage.
Using a mobile phone brings even greater risk to novice drivers as
they can experience difficulty in balancing the many demands on their
driving - from perceptual (visual), mental and physical tasks. Research
has found novice drivers who use a mobile phone spend less time
looking at the road ahead. They are also more likely to wander over the
road (across traffic lanes) and take longer to notice driving hazards.
All drivers have a responsibility to be aware of the rules surrounding
mobile phone use while driving and should refer to pages 97 and 98
for further information.
Safe driving tips if you need to use a
mobile phone
• Pull over safely and park to make or receive a mobile
phone call.
• Plan breaks in your trip for phone calls.
• Tell your family, friends and others
not to call when you know you’ll
be driving.
The Driver’s Handbook 25