Driving for Work: Mythbusters
52 common misconceptions – and the facts employers and drivers need to know
Myth 2: Hands-free mobile phones – if it’s legal, it’s safe
Hands-free phone use is legal in the UK, but research consistently shows it is far from safe.
The danger is not holding the phone – it is the cognitive distraction of the conversation itself. Studies show that drivers using hands-free devices have slower reaction times, poorer hazard perception, and reduced situational awareness compared to undistracted drivers.
The brain simply cannot fully process both a conversation and the driving environment simultaneously.
Distraction is a major cause of collisions with drivers four times more likely to be involved in one when using a mobile device, even hands-free.
Where possible, switch mobile phones to a form of safe-driving mode e.g. silent mode or switched off and put it in your glove box out of sight.
If using hands-free devices, make sure they are fully set up before starting to drive.
Driver takeaway:
Even on a legal hands-free call, your reaction time increases significantly.
Let calls go to voicemail and return them when safely parked – no conversation is worth a collision.
Manager takeaway:
Make your mobile phone policy explicit: drivers must not feel obliged to answer calls while driving.
A manager who expects an immediate response is creating risk. Build in call-back windows and reinforce this in induction and regular briefings.
