Campaign to Stop Drivers Using Cell Phones

The Isle of Man's Department of Transport Road Safety Unit in partnership with Manx Telecom and the Police has launched a campaign aimed at reminding people of the dangers of using their mobile phones whilst driving. On the Isle of Man it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on the road whilst using a hand-held mobile phone. The maximum penalty is US$1,500.

The new campaign, in association with Manx Telecom, encourages drivers to switch their mobile phones onto the company's Callminder service before they start their journey. This service, offered free on two of Manx Telecom's mobile phone tariffs, will answer their calls whilst they are in the car. This prevents drivers from having to stop suddenly, often in a potentially dangerous place, in order to answer a call on their mobile phone.

Dawn Henley, Road Safety Unit, said: "Using a hand held mobile phone while driving can distract the driver - drivers must remove one hand from the steering wheel to hold and operate the phone, whilst continuing to operate the vehicle, steer, change gear, use the indicators and pay attention to what is happening on the road around them. And all this with only one hand! Even with a hands free phone the driver must still divert their eyes away from the road to locate the phone and usually press at least one button."

Jim Rawson, Marketing Communications Co-ordinator at Manx Telecom, who designed the posters which will support this campaign added: "It's easy to set up and use Callminder on your mobile - just call the mobile helpdesk on 154 for more information. Hopefully this campaign will encourage more drivers to use Callminder and keep their attention on the road."'"

Posted to the site on 12th August 2002