Here’s what you need to know about mobile phone usage while at the wheel.
We’re not lawyers, so do your own research before deciding anything. Disclaimer done, here’s what you need to know about mobile phone usage in your vehicle.
The legalese is as follows – holding a mobile communication device and operating any of its communicative functions while underway on the road or any other public place is an offence.
The penalty? A fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
In other words, the driver has to be performing ALL of the following:
- Holding a mobile phone
- The vehicle is being driven, as opposed to standing still
- The driver is using any function of the mobile phone.
Then, and only then, has an offence considered to have been committed.
So here’s the rub.
Let’s say you’re just holding your mobile phone while driving, but it’s turned off. That doesn’t meet the three criteria above… UNTIL a message, call, notification, etc. wakes up the screen, in which case it is considered an offence.
Bottom line – put the phone away while driving. As long as it’s out of your hands, you are fine.
Can I hold and use my phone at a red light?
Since the car is not underway, it doesn’t meet all three criteria above. The problem with this is becoming distracted by the phone.
How many times have we encountered the lights turning green, only to have some numbskull still sitting stationary at the lights for an extended period?
What about if I use my phone while it’s in a holder?
Again, the problem here is the distraction the phone creates. Although using a phone while it’s in a holder does not meet the three criteria listed above, one can still be nailed for driving without due care or reasonable consideration if the cops deem it necessary.
Worse still, if an accident arising from distracted driving results in injury or even death, then expect the charge to be much more severe.
But… but… but… I need to use my phone!
Pull over and park at the nearest carpark. Here you can use your phone to your heart’s content.
Look, we all have busy lives to run, but be considerate and don’t ruin anyone’s life, including yours. No point crying over spilt milk when something untoward happens.
Handsfree Driving
The advent of in-car connectivity means hands-free driving is now even more simple and easy to use. We’re talking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Not only do they play your music or podcasts over the car’s stereo, but they can also manage incoming calls and texts, reading the latter out loud if so chosen.
Certain functionalities such as receiving and ending a call, and adjusting volume can be done via steering wheel-mounted buttons and rockers. This allows one to keep both hands on the wheel more of the time.
If you have an older vehicle, consider fitting an aftermarket head unit that features Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto.
Again, as with any mobile device usage on the move, distraction is the major concern. Don’t become too engrossed with what’s on-screen while using these iOS and Android apps. In fact…
Customise to minimize
…did you know that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can both be customised? Here’s how.
Enter Apple CarPlay, and tap on your vehicle under My Cars. Then tap Customise, and tap on the red ‘dash’ icon next to each app that you wish to exclude.
The steps are similar for Android Auto. Launch it on your phone, tap “Customise launcher” and uncheck the apps you wish to exclude.
The first apps to exclude would be instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal. These are the largest sources of distraction while driving, and excluding these apps means you won’t even be notified by them while connected to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
This would help one keep their attention on the road more of the time. Messages can be read and replied to after you’ve done your driving.
The bottom line is that using a mobile phone in a vehicle can be very distracting. Leave mobile phone usage until after the journey is completed.
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