Use of mobile communication devices
Mobile communication devices is a difficult term for, for example, mobile telephones. Holding these devices while operating a vehicle is prohibited. This applies to all vehicles, including mopeds, snorfietsen, brommobielen, speed pedelecs and even bicycles.
Not only holding a phone to call is prohibited. You are also not allowed to hold the phone to read or send texts while riding, or just to scroll through your music playlist.
Calling without holding the phone (handsfree) is allowed.
Holding the phone, for whatever purpose, while riding is prohibited.
Even while riding a bicycle, it is prohibited to hold a phone.
Distraction
Using a phone while driving leads to a lot of casualties every year. The risk of an accident doubles when you are making a phonecall, even if it is done handsfree. While typing or reading a message, this risk is even six times greater.
All of this is because phone destractions have a negative influence on:
- your ability to perceive;
- your ability to react;
- vehicle control;
- your judgement.
By the way, this not only applies to mobile phones. But also to setting up your navigational system while driving, using an iPod or MP3-player and so on. Never do any of this while driving.