IAM welcomes insurance penalties for mobile use
Date: 18/04/2008 12:00:00
The move by one insurer to penalise drivers caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel by upping premium costs has been welcomed by one industry body.
According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), this "is an excellent development" and will bring a "triple whammy" of a fine, licence points and higher car insurance costs for those who dare to flout the law in this regard.
The organisation went on to suggest that motorists invest in a Bluetooth hands-free kit for their mobile phones to avoid running the risk of incurring these three punishments in future.
"However, there is an important caveat here. Even when you have the hands-free habit, use it with care. Remember, even hands-free conversations are a major distraction, putting you and other road users at risk," the IAM said in a statement.
A survey conducted by the Department for Transport earlier this year found that 90 per cent of drivers believe using a mobile phone while behind the wheel poses a significant risk to safety.