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.
