• Mobile phones have increased in use dramatically over the last few years and they
bring with them both benefits and risk. For the driver of a vehicle they can carry
extreme risk if they impede either concentration or freedom of movement. The mental
distraction is as much, if not more, of a hazard then the mechanical process of
manipulating the handset itself.
• In some places worldwide, insurers, Police and accident investigators now routinely
check to see if there have been any calls from the drivers mobile phone around the
time of any accident regardless of the driver’s admission or any obvious mobile use.
• Drivers may still be prosecuted if they use a mobile phone even if the phone is secured
in a mechanical cradle.
Even if you are a careful driver, you will still be distracted by a phone call or text
message. Your concentration and anticipation will be affected. As such the following
must be observed at all times whilst driving:
• It is a company REQUIREMENT that personnel, contractors or other persons are not to
make or receive mobile phone calls when they are driving at any time on SKSWood
business. This includes the use of hands free phones, which can still put yourself and
other road users at risk. You may think a hands-free phone will enable you to have
control of your vehicle, but your mind will not be fully on your driving. It is not the same
as talking to a passenger who is aware of the traffic conditions and can see what is
happening when you are driving.
• Use your voicemail. Switch on the voicemail message service. If you drive regularly,
personalise your voicemail message to state that you may be driving and as such are
not able to answer the call. Advise the caller to leave a message and state that you will
call them back.
• Only use your mobile phone after you have stopped in a safe place. It is vital that you
do not pick up or answer the phone when it rings. In order to answer a call turn into
safe place e.g. a CULDESAC available on the highway.
• All mobile phones should be turned off when entering a service station for the
purposes of refuelling.
This policy applies to all SKSWood staff and contract personnel driving on company business. It applies
to company vehicles, hired vehicles or personal vehicles when authorized for company business use.
Gary Tassell
SKSWood General Manager
