Phone use behind the wheel is becoming increasingly common, but it's incredibly dangerous.

While we all agree that drinking and driving is socially shunned, using the phone while driving is still considered acceptable, despite being similarly dangerous, as these stats show:

  • Being on the phone triples your risk of having an accident
  • Reading or writing a message multiplies the risk it by 23
  • To send a message, you take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds
  • One in ten accidents with injuries are provably linked to phone usage (the real number is likely higher)
  • 2 seconds staring at a phone at 130kph is equivalent to a 150m stopping distance

Luxembourg police will perform increased checks regarding phone usage during June.

WHAT IT WILL COST YOU

Using your phone while driving comes with a 145 euro fine and two points lost. But this is not the only source of danger at the wheel. Lighting a cigarette, playing with dashboard instruments or the satnav and even being on the phone hands-free are all distracting to drivers. Police reminds us that this also affects motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists.

Some additional advice:

  • Put your phone on silent and outside your field of vision. Notifications will inevitably attract  your attention otherwise.
  • If you need the satnav, enter the destination before starting your journey.
  • Urgent phone call? Park your car.
  • If you have a passenger, ask them to answer phone calls or messages.
  • Wherever you are, ensure anyone you are talking to isn't currently driving. If you can tell they are, end the conversation.