{"id":17361,"date":"2024-02-28T09:26:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T14:26:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/?p=17361"},"modified":"2025-01-23T14:14:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T19:14:14","slug":"hands-free-driving-rules-and-tips-to-staying-safe-and-compliant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/resources\/hands-free-driving-rules-and-tips-to-staying-safe-and-compliant\/","title":{"rendered":"Hands-Free Driving Rules? \u2013 Tips to Staying Safe and Compliant"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> &lt; 1<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minute<\/span><\/span> \n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class='resource-header-container' style='position:relative;'>\n\t\t<div class=''><nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><span class=\"last\">Home<\/span><\/p><\/nav><\/div>\n        <div id='blog-title'><h1>Hands-Free Driving Rules? \u2013 Tips to Staying Safe and Compliant<\/h1><\/div>\n            <img src='https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/hands-free-driving-rules-blog-featured-image.png' alt='a man in a truck looking out a window' id='blog-header-image' style='width:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position: center;'>                            \n\t\t\t<aside style='max-width:298px;margin-top:62px;' id='mobile-info'>\n\t\t\t\t<div class='blog-info-box'><p class='aside-header'>Posted<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<p class='aside-info'>February 28, 2024<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class='blog-info-box'><p class='aside-header'>Type<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<p class='aside-info'>\n\t\t\t\t\tBlog\t\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class='blog-info-box' id='social-icons'><p class='aside-header'>Share<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/resources\/hands-free-driving-rules-and-tips-to-staying-safe-and-compliant\/\" id=\"footer-mobile-facebook-link\" title=\"Facebook\" target=\"_blank\" class='aside-info'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-content\/themes\/holman\/assets\/images\/facebook-share.png\" alt=\"Facebook\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a> <!-- .item -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/sharing\/share-offsite\/?url=https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/resources\/hands-free-driving-rules-and-tips-to-staying-safe-and-compliant\/\" id=\"footer-mobile-linked-link\" title=\"linkedin\" target=\"_blank\" class='aside-info'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-content\/themes\/holman\/assets\/images\/linkedin-share.png\" alt=\"LinkedIn\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a> <!-- .item -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:?subject=Hands-Free Driving Rules? \u2013 Tips to Staying Safe and Compliant&#038;body=I wanted to share this content from Holman! Check it out here: https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/resources\/hands-free-driving-rules-and-tips-to-staying-safe-and-compliant\/\" id=\"footer-mobile-email-link\" title=\"Email\" target=\"_blank\" class='aside-info'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-content\/themes\/holman\/assets\/images\/email_icon.svg\" alt=\"Email Us\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a> <!-- .item -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t \t<\/aside>\n\t\t <hr id='info-bar'>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<span id='aside-info-img' style='display:none;'>https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/fleet_card_US_explore_solutions.svg<\/span>\n\t\t<span id='aside-info-link' style='display:none;'>https:\/\/www.holman.com\/uk\/fleet-management\/<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#blog-title{margin:24px 0 40px;}\n#resource-title{margin:24px 0 16px;}\n.resource-wysiwyg p{font-size:16px;}\n#blog-title h1, #resource-title 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24px;}\n\t\t.case-study-feature:first-of-type{width:100%;justify-content:flex-start;}\n\t\t#case-study-header-title{color:#2C9942;font-weight:500;font-size:14px;padding:0;margin:0;width:100%;}\n\t\t#case-study-header-description{color:#003057;font-weight:500;font-size:14px;padding:0;margin:0;width:100%;}\n\t\t.case-study-feature img{width:45px;min-width:45px;}\n\t\t#case-study-image{object-fit:cover;}\n\t\t.fullscreen{width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;}\n\t\t#form-container-gated{width:101%;height:100%;margin:0 auto;z-index:99;top:0;position:absolute;background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.8);display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}\n\t\t#form-container-gated #ebook-form{display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:space-between;width:425px;margin:0 auto;border-top:0.5px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.050);box-shadow: 1px 4px 4px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.50);text-align:center;padding:32px;z-index:9999;background-color:white;}\n\t\t#form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 label{text-align:left;font-size:10px;width:49%;font-weight:500;}\n\t\t#form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 label:nth-child(odd):last-child{width:100%;}\n\t\t#form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 input, #form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 input[type=url], #form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 input[type=email], #form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 input[type=tel], #form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 input[type=text], #form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 select, #form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 input[type=textarea][type=text]{height:32px;}\n\n\t\t#form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 .wpcf7-submit{margin:24px auto 0;}\n\t\tbody:has(.gated) a#footer-mobile-download-link{display:none;}\n\t\tbody:has(.ungated) a#footer-mobile-download-link{display:inline-block !important;}\n\t\t.ebook-overlay.gated{width:100%;height:100%;position:relative;}\n\t\t@media(max-width:900px){#form-container-gated #ebook-form{width:100%;}.ebook-overlay.gated{min-height:435px;}#form-container-gated #ebook-form .wpcf7 label{width:100%;}#icon-container{flex-direction:column;gap:24px 0;}#case-study-header-title,#case-study-header-description{font-size:12px;}.case-study-feature{width:100%;justify-content:flex-start;}#case-study-image{height:auto;}}\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/style>\n\n\n \n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t<section class='resource-wysiwyg'>\n\t\t\t        \t<div><p>Whether you\u2019ve been driving a day or a decade, road safety should always be a top priority. As technology evolves and regulations adapt, staying informed on the latest rules about hands-free phone use while driving remains a key area for ensuring safe and responsible driving. So, check out the following practical tips for safe hands-free phone use.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>The Rules<\/h3>\n<p>Since March 2022, it has been illegal to touch your phone while driving in the UK, and includes answering calls, texting, scrolling through music, taking photos, or even just holding the device.<\/p>\n<p>The ban applies even when you&#8217;re stopped at traffic lights, stuck in queuing traffic, supervising a learner driver, or driving a car with stop-start technology &#8211; being stationary doesn&#8217;t mean your attention should be!<\/p>\n<p>Despite the ban, a recent report by the RAC reveals that a concerning <a href=\"https:\/\/greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk\/police-should-turn-up-the-dial-on-handheld-mobile-phone-use-says-rac\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">25% of all drivers still illegally use handheld phones while driving<\/a>. This figure rises to 49% of drivers aged between 17 and 24.<\/p>\n<p>Using a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any other device that can send or receive data is included and could result in a fine of up to \u00a31,000, 6 points on your licence, and even a driving ban.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>The Risk<\/h3>\n<p>While there are currently no plans in place to ban hands-free equipment, research shows that any activity that distracts you while driving, even hands-free, significantly increases your risk of a crash. According to a recent study by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You&#8217;re 4 times more likely to crash if you use your phone while driving.<\/li>\n<li>Your reaction times are 2 times slower when using a hands-free phone compared to driving under the influence of alcohol \u2013 and this increases to 3 times slower if you use a handheld phone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>Exceptions to the Rules<\/h3>\n<p>However, there are times when you can use a handheld, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it\u2019s unsafe or impractical to stop.<\/li>\n<li>You are making a contactless payment at, for example, a toll road or drive-through.<\/li>\n<li>You are parking the vehicle remotely using an App on the phone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While using a built-in system or dashboard mount is okay, ensuring it has hands-free access such as using voice controls and doesn&#8217;t obscure your view is a must.\u00a0 And of course, passengers can use the devices and phones, but their activities shouldn&#8217;t distract you.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>Tips for a Safe Hands-Free Experience<\/h3>\n<p>Although using hands-free options are permitted, it shouldn\u2019t be the green light to multitask. Distracted driving, even using hands-free devices, will not only put you at risk of distraction and therefore having an accident, but could land you in trouble with the police. Below are some tips to stay safe while driving:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Plan Ahead: Set up your directions, playlists, and messages before driving. Avoid fiddling with settings or composing replies on the go.<\/li>\n<li>Familiarise with built-in systems: Most newer vehicles will be equipped with built-in systems for navigation, calls, music etc. It\u2019s important to set up and get to grips with the hands-free system before using it while on the move as each system is different.<\/li>\n<li>Invest in hands-free kit: For vehicles without built-in systems, choose a reliable mount or hands-free kit and position it close to your line of sight and away from obstructing your view.<\/li>\n<li>Minimise Interactions: Limit hands-free calls and prioritise voice commands for essential actions like navigation \u2013 ideally your phone will be connected to the vehicle\u2019s Bluetooth.<\/li>\n<li>Pull Over If Needed: If a call or message demands your attention, find a safe place to pull over and park completely before engaging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p>Keeping yourself and your passengers safe should always be the number one priority when driving. With distractions playing a large factor in a substantial number of accidents, and the worrying number of drivers still opting to use their phones, it can\u2019t be underestimated the benefits of planning ahead and prioritising safe driving habits to help protect yourself and everyone on the road.<\/p>\n<p>At Holman, we\u2019re committed to promoting a culture of safety. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.holman.com\/uk\/fleet-management\/driver-risk-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Driver Risk Management Programme<\/a> is designed to help you identify areas for improvement, measure the impact of corrective action, and facilitate targeted training to enhance driving skills and importantly, driver safety.<\/p>\n<p>Together, we can all contribute to a safer driving culture. Spread awareness among friends and family and encourage responsible habits on the road. Remember, your phone can wait, but the road won&#8217;t.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<style>\n\tsection{margin:0;}\n\tp img{display:block !important;}\nsection.resource-wysiwyg{margin:20px 0 0;padding:0;}\nsection.resource-wysiwyg:first-of-type {margin:35px 0 0;padding:0;}\n.resource-wysiwyg p{margin-bottom:16px;}\n.resource-wysiwyg h3{margin-bottom:16px;color:#003057;font-weight:500;}\n.resource-wysiwyg p:last-of-type{margin-bottom:0px;}\n.resource-wysiwyg p img{display:block !important;}\n.resource-wysiwyg img{padding:16px 24px;max-width:40%;display:block;}\n.resource-wysiwyg img.alignright{float:right;padding-right:0px;}\n.resource-wysiwyg img.alignleft{float:left;padding-left:0px;}\n#form-container-gated #ebook-form h2, #form-container-gated #ebook-form h3, #form-container-gated #ebook-form h4{margin-top:0px;}\n@media(max-width:600px){section.resource-wysiwyg:first-of-type{margin:16px 0 0;}.resource-wysiwyg img{max-width:50%;height:auto;padding:8px 12px;}}\n<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> &lt; 1<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minute<\/span><\/span>","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":17362,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[131,135],"tags":[102,143,146,153,118],"blog-type":[91],"featured":[90],"legacy":[],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-17361","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fleet-management","category-technology","tag-blogs","tag-fleet-management","tag-morning-brake","tag-technology","tag-training-safety","blog-type-blog","featured-no"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17361","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17361"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17361\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17376,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17361\/revisions\/17376"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17361"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17361"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17361"},{"taxonomy":"blog-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-type?post=17361"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=17361"},{"taxonomy":"legacy","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/legacy?post=17361"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uk.holman.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=17361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}