Drivers who think they can "beat the ban" on hand held-mobile phones when new laws becomes effective later this month by simply buying hands-free kit for their cars are still putting themselves and their passengers at risk.
Under the Road Safety Act, from Tuesday 27 February, motorists using hand-held phones at the wheel will face a stiffer penalty - £60 - and three points on their licence.
Inevitably some drivers will think that they should buy a hands-free kit and the problem will go away which would certainly suit the manufacturers.
But drivers should be aware that they are potentially buying trouble - even when you are hands free, as research has shown that you are four times more likely to crash because your concentration is split.
So why don’t you switch off before you drive off. Nobody calling you should expect you to risk your life - and your licence - to talk to him or her on a hand-held phone while you are at the wheel, surely?
Hands-free does not mean you will get off scot-free so really think about it. Do you really want to talk to ‘Phoney Drivers’?
Jackie Violet