Mobile phones and driving safety

For many people today, their car is their office, and mobile phones are an integral part of this on-the-road workplace. The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association provides these safety pointers for safe driving and mobile phones.

Always use hands-free: In Australia, it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, unless you use a hands-free in-car kit or portable hands-free device. When using a portable hands-free device, make sure it's set up and working before you start to drive. A hands-free device can reduce the physical effort to make and receive calls; however, it alone doesn't make using a mobile phone while driving safe.

Never take notes, look up phone numbers, read or send SMS: Always keep both eyes on the road and never take notes during a call. Don't read or send text messages or SMS while driving. If necessary, use a directory assistance service to connect you directly to the number you want to call - don't look up phone numbers from your phone's memory.

Don't call in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions: Don't accept or make calls if traffic and weather conditions could make it unsafe to do so. Even if the traffic conditions are light, always tell the person you're speaking to that you're driving and that you may have to end the call if driving conditions change.

Don't engage in complex or emotional conversations: If a call becomes complex or emotional, tell the person you're speaking to that you're driving and end the call. Complex and emotive conversations on a mobile phone (or with other passengers) and driving don't mix - they are distracting and can be dangerous.

Use message services to answer calls: If a call is unnecessary or you consider it unsafe to answer at the time, don't answer the call. Let it divert to voicemail or an answering service.

Pull over safely if you stop to make a call: If you choose to stop to answer or make a call or retrieve a message, pull over carefully in a safe area. Don't stop where you could be a hazard to other vehicles, pedestrians or yourself.

Use your phone's features to reduce the effort to make a call: Before using your phone while driving, carefully read your phone's instruction manual and learn to use the speed dial and redial features of your phone. If possible, use a phone with voice-activated dialing and automatic answering features, which can reduce the effort to make and receive a call.

Plan your trip and make calls when stationary: Whenever possible, plan your trip and make calls when stationary or during rest breaks in long trips.

Tell callers you're driving while on the phone: Always let the person you're speaking to know that you're driving. This lets them know that you may not always respond immediately, and reminds you that driving safely is your first priority.

In emergencies, use your phone to call for help: Dial 000 or 112 in case of fire, traffic accident, road hazard or medical emergency. Both 000 and 112 are free calls, and will connect you to emergency services. Almost one third of all genuine calls to 000 are made from mobile phones.