Newsletter 38

As two more American states (California and Washington) ban the use of handheld mobile phones by drivers, the UK’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has renewed calls for use of all mobile phones by drivers to be banned, whether hands-free or not.

The new American legislation came into effect on 1 July, bringing the two states broadly into line with various other including Connecticut, New Jersey, New York State and Utah. American commentators are predicting a further boom in hands-free equipment in those states, and suppliers are also offering more advanced solutions. Avaya for instance has a system called a one-X Speech interface, which is said to provide hands-free access to calling and conferencing capabilities, voice, email and fax messaging and more – all from any telephone.

Drivers were banned from using handheld mobiles in the UK nearly four years ago, but widespread anecdotal and personal experience shows that very many drivers ignore the ban, despite the risk of a fine and penalty points on their licence. RoSPA argues that it is the conversation itself that distracts drivers, not the means of holding it. However, it seems unlikely in the present climate that a more sweeping ban is likely in the near future.