Car Insurance News

Car insurance firm welcomes phone-use clampdown - 21/12/2007

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With mobile phone use behind the wheel still widespread, car insurance provider Direct Line has welcomed proposals to punish drivers caught on their phones with a jail sentence of up to two years.

Earlier in 2007, research from the company revealed that as many as one million of the UK's 34 million motorists were using their handheld mobile phones while driving at any given time.

It believes that stricter rules and stronger penalties are required to ensure the public is aware to the danger of using distracting gadgets when driving.

Carmel McCarthy, motor spokesperson at Direct Line, said: "The use of mobile phones whilst driving can be a major distraction and a serious threat to road safety. Direct Line Insurance welcomes any guidelines that promote responsible driving as a positive move."

In September 2007, revisions to the Highway Code made it clear that drivers must not use mobile phones in the car except to dial 999 in the event that there is a genuine emergency and they are unable to pull over.

Under new measures drafted by the Crown Prosecution Service, drivers in England and Wales who cause death on the roads through dangerous driving could be tried for manslaughter and jailed for life.

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