Getting rid of the multi-tasking mindset

We all know what it’s like to be short on time. But over the past few months we’ve seen an increased number of stressed-out drivers applying make-up, programming their sat-nav, and even shaving while on the move, in a desperate bid to save some time.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel is one of the biggest distractions, which is why the Department for Transport recently announced a crackdown on drivers caught using them, with fines and points doubling from next year.

The law already makes it clear that it is an offence to ‘use’ a mobile phone while driving, but the crackdown will make the penalties for doing so even tougher, with guilty drivers being hit by six points on their licence and facing a £200 fine.

So dialing a number, checking emails, sending texts and certainly taking selfies or posting a status on Facebook while driving will all land drivers in hot water.

Also, if you have something in your hand, such as food, drink, lipstick or a razor while driving, you can be prosecuted for not being in proper control of your vehicle. And if you kill or injure anyone because of poor driving, and it is because you were doing any of those things, you could find yourself serving a lengthy prison sentence.

In fact, even something as simple as replacing a CD could put you at risk of prosecution, as the very act of doing so means that one hand has to be taken off the wheel and the driver has to take their eyes off the road. Therefore, it could be argued that in changing a CD you are not in proper control of your vehicle.

The safest way to protect both yourself and others from getting in trouble with the law and from becoming involved in a road accident is to treat driving as a task in itself, rather than trying to combine it with other jobs.

The law doesn’t care how busy you are – and sending a quick email while on the move could cost you years in jail.