Question:
832 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans he has to make the use of a mobile phone illegal when driving a motor vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1783/01]
Written Answers. - Road Safety.
Question:
833 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of car accidents caused in 2000 by drivers using a mobile phone while at the wheel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1784/01]
Question:
834 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the contact he has had with the mobile phone industry with regard to the impact their products have on road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1785/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 832, 833 and 834 together.
The Government strategy for road safety 1998-2002 indicated that, in common with a majority of EU member states, the Government does not propose at this stage to regulate for a specific prohibition on the use of mobile phones by drivers. The safe use of mobile phones by drivers was instead to be promoted through information campaigns, including campaigns supported by the mobile phone industry. In line with this policy, the National Safety Council have issued an advisory leaflet sponsored by Esat for the safe use of mobile phones by drivers. Another initiative has been a leaflet issued by Eircell and the AA in association with Esso. Notwithstanding the absence of a specific prohibition, use of mobile phone which causes a driver to act in a manner which could be regarded as dangerous or careless may be prosecuted under the Road Traffic Acts.
NRA Road Accidents Facts reports categorise human behavioural contributions to road accidents in generalised terms: these would not permit identification of such specific factors as unsafe use of a mobile phone.