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DRIVERS have been warned of a simple phone mistake that can cost them a $200 fine even if the device isn’t in their hand.
Experts have revealed how to keep yourself safe from the hefty penalties.
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Pretty much everyone these days knows that it’s not a good idea to text and drive.
Most states have some level of restriction on phone use behind the wheel, some of which carry driving bans.
But hands-free usage is generally seen as acceptable with drivers able to take calls, listen to music and use navigation services as long as the device isn’t being held.
Indeed, with the advent of speech-to-text software, Bluetooth and AI assistants like Siri, you don’t even really need to hold your phone anymore to have full use of it.
However, motoring experts have urged caution as you can still find yourself in hot water with the law.
Mike Thompson, COO of Leasing Options, explained that the “blue light” emitted from your cell can still be seen as a distraction by cops.
Blue light is the frequency of light put out by most artificial lights on gadgets like phones, laptops and TVs.
Studies have suggested that it can have a marked effect on the user’s concentration, alertness and sleeping patterns.
Ever stayed up too late scrolling on your phone and only felt tired when you stopped?
That’s blue light.
Just as it had an almost hypnotic appeal when illuminating social media content or video games, it can be very distracting when you’re on the road.
Mike told CoventryLive: “If you are distracted by the light, drive too closely to another car or misuse lanes, this is classed as careless or inconsiderate driving.
You could be hit with an unlimited fine and a discretionary disqualification.
“It’s so important that you are driving safely and responsibly, which is why you should take steps to ensure that blue light isn’t negatively impacting your driving.”
Even worse, if the distraction causes you to miss something like a speed limit or no entry sign, this can be classed as dangerous driving.
If you then went on to cause an injury as a result, you could be facing a jail term.
And that doesn’t just go for your phone either – it’s even the case if you are distracted by the light coming from one of your passengers’ devices.
Fortunately, Mike also had a simple solution to the problem.
He added: “One of the easiest things you can do is lower the brightness of your phone screen and the screens of people with you.
“Many devices actually have a ‘night mode’ or ‘blue light mode’ which are specifically designed to reduce blue light emissions by creating a warmer tone.
“Try and take regular breaks, especially if you’re going to be driving long distances.
“Stepping away from artificial light, including intense headlights, can help to improve your night vision.”
