Drive with a mobile device? From February, 2015 you’ll no longer be able to hold, operate or read any type of mobile device while driving.
This seems like common sense, but apparently the old law only covered calling or text messaging. The new law will close off that technicality and cover activity of any kind –surfing, browsing social networks or any other function that requires you to hold a mobile device.
That’s great news for safe drivers as those activities are easily more dangerous than taking a call. Have you ever seen anyone able to look up and hold a conversation when browsing Facebook? I haven’t.
If you must use a mobile device while driving (such as GPS) it’s best to invest in a hands free holder for the device and ensure it’s set up BEFORE you start your journey. Better still bring along a navigator or someone who can manage it for you so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Other Changes
There will also be stiffer penalties for drivers who hit, scrape, bump or otherwise damage other’s property or vehicles. You must leave a note with your particulars. This is just common decency and if anything the penalties for driving off on an accident should increase more to discourage this behaviour.
The RTA will also start requiring a practical driving test from June 2015 to ensure foreign worker drivers are better equipped to deal with Singapore driving.
Lastly the law will now automatically penalise any car owner whose car was caught in an illegal act such as speeding or running a red light. You’ll have 14 days to make your case, but if you don’t revert back with notice, you’ll be assumed the guilty driver.
Non-news for Safe Drivers
If you care about others on the road and take pride in driving well, you should already be driving with hands on the wheel free from unnecessary distractions. If policies like the ones mentioned above bother you, you’re probably not the drivers we’d like to insure.
Distracted, unsafe drivers are not only a danger on the road, but with many insurers the cost of insuring them is passed on to safe drivers. We don’t think that’s right. So we reward safe drivers with lower prices.
If you agree that driving well should be rewarded, get a quote today and see how much you could be saving on your car insurance.
image by Cheryl Tay
The post From February Further Restrictions on Driving with Mobile Devices appeared first on DirectAsia Insurance.