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Out of sight, peace of mind
We’ve joined forces with BOC, the UK and Ireland's leading industrial gases supplier, to launch a campaign urging transport and logistics companies, and professional drivers, to stay off the phone when behind the wheel.
Whilst it’s illegal to hold your mobile whilst driving, research published in the British Medical Journal shows that even drivers legally using their phones hands-free are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards. You’re four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone.
Leading industrial gases supplier and major fleet operator BOC introduced a zero-tolerance mobile phone policy over 10 years ago. All their drivers are forbidden to touch their phones or take any calls at all whilst on the road – including calls from BOC itself.
The ‘Out of sight, peace of mind’ campaign is aimed at directors, transport managers and drivers at logistics companies and other organisations that employ large numbers of drivers. The campaign has the support of road safety organisations including the charities RoSPA, Brake and IAM RoadSmart.
“I truly believe that in five to ten years’ time the use of a mobile phone while at the wheel will be as socially unacceptable as drink driving or not wearing a seat belt is at the moment, so the sooner we get to that point the more lives we’ll save along the way.
"Nothing is more important than a person's life. We hope this initiative will have a wider influence in the longer term as more and more companies commit to high road safety standard and puit the safety of the public first."
We’re urging you to join us and become a Campaign Champion – just email us and we’ll send you a media toolkit including marketing and digital assets, which you can share with colleagues within your organisation.
“BOC sets the standard that others can follow in terms of taking responsibility for staff welfare and their actions when driving. They, like we, appreciate that drivers who are not distracted can avoid collisions that harm people, cost money, and damage company and personal reputations.
“We are reaching out to respected organisations like BOC to join us, champion this campaign and increase the number of companies adopting a zero tolerance approach to mobile use. Remember: a moment’s distraction could be a lifetime’s regret.”
Road accident data suggests that drivers being 'distracted in vehicle' contributed to nearly 3,000 (2,920) collisions in 2015.
Responsible mobile phone use whilst driving
- Good communication can easily be maintained without using a phone whilst driving.
- Remember, even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text, and just a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
- Enjoy the positives of driving without being distracted, and have a more enjoyable, less stressful working day.
- If your phone rings whilst you’re driving, let the call go through to voicemail, or allow your passenger to use your phone.
- Even better: switch your phone off altogether.
- When you’re ready to use your phone, stop in a safe place and then check messages & return calls.
“The policy has benefited me as a driver in the fact that I have no distractions whilst driving, so therefore it makes me safer so I can concentrate more on the road.”
Supported by...
“Handheld mobile phone use is a top concern for British drivers and motorists need to make the connection that using a hand-held phone is a major distraction to the task of driving. There is no such thing as multi-tasking when it comes to driving – when you drive, there is nothing else you should be doing.”
