The use of mobile communication devices
Mobile telecommunications devices is a difficult word for mobile phones, for example. Holding these devices while driving a motor vehicle, moped, snorfiets, bicycle, disability vehicle, or tram is prohibited.
Not only making a phonecall while holding the device is prohibited, it should not be held at all while driving. Reading, texting, and changing music while driving is also prohibited.
Holding a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Regardless of what you use it for.
Even holding a phone while riding a bicycle is prohibited.
Distraction
Using mobile telephones while driving is estimated to claim several dozen victims per year as the result of accidents, according to ‘Veilig Verkeer Nederland’. The risk of an accident is doubled when making a phone call while driving, even if using hands-free equipment. Typing or reading messages increases the risk of an accident by a factor of six. Using mobile phones when driving causes distraction and negatively impacts:
- your powers of perception;
- your responsiveness;
- control of the vehicle;
- your judgement.
The above does not only apply to mobile phones. Setting up navigation systems and using music players such as iPods is also forbidden while driving.