VSV: ‘20% of youngsters feel pressure to answer phone while driving’

According to a new online survey by VSV (Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde), one out of five youngsters feels forced to answer calls or messages while driving. Using a cell phone while driving is legally prohibited unless the device is in a suitable holder. A new campaign and additional police checks should raise awareness about distractions in traffic.

The new campaign, featuring television personality Bockie de Repper and actor Wim Willaert, aims to get people to “focus on the road, not on their screens”. The message is mainly aimed at young people because 20 percent of drivers under 30 feel pressured to answer messages or calls while driving. This is only 7 percent for drivers between 30 and 54 years old.

On the 8th and 9th of October, at the same time as the campaign’s launch, the police will carry out stricter checks on mobile phone use behind the wheel for 48 hours.

Dangerous

Young drivers consider the risk to be smaller. Only 78 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds think it is dangerous to read messages while driving, compared to 91 percent of 40- to 54-year-olds.

“Every second you look at your smartphone, you are not focusing on the road,” explains Werner De Dobbeleer, spokesperson and road safety expert at VSV. The organization advises young people to connect their smartphones before departure, set their route, prepare their favorite music, and then put their mobile phones away.

Distraction

Using a cell phone while driving is one of the most common sources of distraction. Distracted drivers generally swerve more, have longer reaction times, and miss information from the traffic surroundings.

Cell phone use while at the wheel is, therefore, prohibited. In other words, it’s forbidden to hold the device in your hand. It should also not be on the passenger seat, on your lap, or the center console.

Studies have shown that using a handheld mobile phone increases the crash risk for motorists by a factor of 3.6. According to estimations, distraction plays a role in 5 to 25% of European accidents.

Fine of up to €4,000

Violators risk an immediate fine of 174 euros plus administrative costs. The public prosecutor’s office can also request the driver’s license be revoked immediately. In that case, you risk a fine of up to 4,000 euros.

The law is extra strict for novice drivers: they always receive a temporary driving ban and must retake their theory or practical exam. Last year, 66,226 Flemish drivers were caught.