Some other interesting facts regarding the use of mobile phones in vehicles are as follows:-

• Using a hand held phone has the greatest impact on performance – so hands free is safer but even using hands free is far more dangerous than driving under the influence of drink.

• Reaction times are, on average, 30% slower when using a mobile phone compared to being drunk – and 50% slower than normal – with drivers unable to maintain a constant speed or safe distance from the vehicle in front.

• As outlined above, research shows that drivers are 4 times more likely to crash while using a mobile phone. This enhanced period extends for several minutes after the call is terminated.

• There is no evidence to suggest that legislation should differentiate between the use of hand held or hands free.

• Specific bans on using hand-held mobiles while driving are already in place in the following : Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Rep., Chile, Denmark, Eire, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Malaysia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Slovak Rep., Slovenia, S.Africa, S.Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the USA. Portugal and New Delhi also have legislation that prohibits hands-free.