News 2003
Virgin Mobile Welcomes Mobile Driving Ban
28/11/2003
Virgin Mobile, the UK’s fastest growing network, today welcomed the introduction of new regulations banning motorists from using hand-held mobile phones while driving.
However, Virgin Mobile recommends that the safest possible option for motorists is to switch off their phones entirely while driving.
Virgin Mobile urges motorists to make safety their number one priority at all times, and not to make phone calls even when using a hands-free kit. Virgin Mobile recommends that:
- Motorists switch off phones and allow calls to be diverted to voicemail (free on Virgin Mobile) while driving.
- Drivers should be aware that they could still be prosecuted under existing legislation for careless driving if, for example, they are involved in an accident and are found to have been making a phone call using hands-free equipment at the time.
Virgin Mobile has banned all its employees from using hand-held mobile phones or similar devices while driving on company duty.
Virgin Mobile will at no time require its staff to make work-related calls while driving, and hopes that other employers will adopt similar measures to ensure the safety of their employees.
Virgin Mobile’s Sir Richard Branson said: “We are delighted that the Government has introduced new regulations to outlaw the practice of motorists using hand-held phones while driving, and we are pleased to support this action making driving safer for all motorists and pedestrians. We believe that risk not only lies in holding a phone, but in holding a conversation. Therefore, we urge drivers to obey the new regulations and let their voicemail service take calls for them while they’re at the wheel. Virgin Mobile customers can access their voicemail free of charge, and we hope that any drivers whose networks do not offer free voicemail will consider switching to Virgin Mobile.”
