Tough Talk on Texting

Tough Talk on Texting

Tough Talk on Texting

Texting whilst driving has been illegal in the UK since 2003. The only exception to the law is drivers who need to make a voice call to 99 in an emergency situation. Even when at the traffic lights its an offence to use a handheld mobile device. This carries a license endorsement code of CU80. This is 3 points on your license and a £60 fine.

Things are different for HGV drivers. Under the new proposals, HGV drivers could be automatically suspended from driving when convicted of a CU80 offence. This suspension would last three weeks on the first offence and a further 42 days for a second offence. The “CU80” code currently applies to all vehicles, but there are even plans to introduce a separate endorsement to allow a driver’s future employers to identify when the offence has been committed in a truck.

On the first offence, drivers will be issued with a letter from the Traffic Commissioner. It will warn the driver that a second letter will lead to a conduct hearing. The Freight Transport Association recognizes these new plans and welcomes them as a big step towards ensuring further safety measures.

Studies have shown that a driver is more than four times more likely to be involved in a crash when using a handheld device. A driver using a mobile is 30% less reactive than a drunk driver. When travelling at 55MPH (roughly the speed of an HGV), a driver will statistically not look at the road for 144 meters. That’s eight lorry lengths (or enough space to plough into 24 Ford Mondeos when sat in traffic). As the vehicle almost never initially applies the brakes, this results in a full-force impact.

Be smart and careful out there. Think: is that message worth more than someone’s life? Let alone your licence.

If you are interested in becoming an HGV Driver, check out our training courses. Or get in contact with our friendly team today for more information.