No driver should use a mobile telephone whilst driving. for us, working in the peacekeeping mission field often require to drive long hours, for patrols (Military Observer) and us, civilian within the city and cross-country travel.

Such use of Mobile phone while driving is likely to distract the driver from the main task of managing the vehicle in a safe and competent manner and is therefore prejudicial to road safety. Calls should never be made or received while on the move.

Mobile phones provide a range of benefits and are extremely popular. However, many drivers use them to make and receive calls, or to send and receive text messages, while they are driving. Drivers need 100% of their attention on driving 100% of the time. Traffic situations constantly change and an accident can easily happen in seconds. Therefore, anything that has the potential to distract the driver should be avoided. Using a mobile phone while driving is a significant physical and cognitive distraction and increases the risk of the driver being involved in an accident.

Each of us should not expect to be able to speak to colleagues on a mobile phone when they are driving. Vehicles are intended to transport occupants and goods to their destinations safely. Pressure to turn vehicles into ‘mobile offices’ should be resisted on the grounds of safety. There are very few situations in which a delay of a few minutes in answering or making a mobile phone call is a matter of life or death. Any urgent calls can be made when the driver has stopped in a safe place.

All drivers and supervisors please note the following summary:
i) If possible, use the ‘missed call’ or ‘message’ facility on your mobile phone
ii) Switch off the phone before you start the engine
iii) Never make or receive calls while driving
iv) Check for messages and deal with any calls once you are parked
v) Guard against the distraction of your vehicle becoming a ‘mobile office’
vi) For supervisors: never ‘require’ staff to be available via a mobile phone whilst they are driving

Accidents do happen, especially in peacekeeping mission like the one in Liberia, we have few incidents. Apart from other human factor, calling or taking a call from a mobile phone while driving are one of the cause.

Have a safe motoring and the aim of driving is to arrive – alive!
So be protected and not projected.

Do you have a safe motoring tips? care to share? :-)