Firms 'should ban all mobile use when driving

Companies should take steps to ensure their employees do not use mobile phones at all while driving to make sure they do not cause health and safety incidents, it has been claimed.

David Faithful, a lawyer and legal advisor to RoadSafe, said if a crash occurs it is irrelevant whether a worker was using a standard mobile or a hands-free kit, only whether their telephone conversation caused the accident.

The expert pointed to the example of Lynne-Marie Howden, director and head of sales at business consultancy company Insights, who was convicted of careless driving and banned for 12 months, in addition to receiving a £2,000 fine.

Ms Howden was involved in a crash on the A429 in Warwickshire in November 2007 which saw the other motorist die.

She was also found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, although the prosecution had claimed that her use of a hands-free mobile phone was sufficient to warrant a dangerous driving charge.

Mr Faithful commented: "I believe this is the first case where a conviction has been obtained as a result of a hands-free mobile phone conversation. The verdict sets a clear precedent and has a significant impact for the entire fleet industry and business community."

Earlier this month, Norwich Union pointed out that firms could face legal consequences, including corporate manslaughter charges, if they fail to adequately check their employees' driving licences.

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