Just pull over – it’s really not worth it

In the UK, it’s been illegal to use a handheld mobile at the wheel for ‘interactive communication’ since 2003. That legislation was beefed up last year to include any kind of use, including the camera. Which leaves the thorny topic of hands-free use, which is still legal despite the Commons Transport Committee suggesting a ban in 2019. ‘Being at the UK legal limit for alcohol blood level is essentially the same amount of distraction, if not slightly less, than having a hands-free call,’ said Dr Shaun Helman, chief scientist at the Transport Research Laboratory, in the report.

Tech firms are historically reluctant to provide tools enforcing good behaviour, but most smartphones have settings that can simplify screen layouts and mute notifications when at the wheel – Driving Focus on Apple devices, Driving mode (within Google Maps) on Android. But experts are concerned that people who use such features are the ones already conscious of road safety, and anyone who finds that it’s stopping them doing what they want to do will simply turn it off. ‘As most drivers would testify, distractions come in all forms, not least from those in the back or passenger seat,’ says Nicholas Lyes, policy director at road safety charity IAM Roadsmart. ‘That’s why education is probably the most effective way to keep drivers focused when behind the wheel.’

When automated cars have proved themselves fully, and the relevant legislation passed, drivers will be able to bury their faces in their phones to their heart’s content. But it may be a long wait.