Dutch government wants to ban mobile phone use in cars

The Dutch government is looking into measures to cut the number of deaths and injuries caused by drivers being distracted by their phones, transport minister Melanie Schultz told Algemeen Dagblad. This could mean that mobile phone manufacturers could be required to fit devices that stop people using their handsets while driving. Currently motorists only break the law if they pick up the phone while driving, but the government says research shows that even hands-free use significantly increases the ris
November 29, 2016 Read time: 1 min
The Dutch government is looking into measures to cut the number of deaths and injuries caused by drivers being distracted by their phones, transport minister Melanie Schultz told Algemeen Dagblad.

This could mean that mobile phone manufacturers could be required to fit devices that stop people using their handsets while driving.

Currently motorists only break the law if they pick up the phone while driving, but the government says research shows that even hands-free use significantly increases the risk of an accident. Schultz said she would look into the feasibility of a total ban. She is also considering technological solutions and is talking to the telecoms companies about making phones switch off certain functions when travelling
Networking & Communication Systems

Related Content

  • ITS America, Global Automakers respond to NHTSA's connected car ANPRM
    August 19, 2014
    ITS America and international motor vehicle manufacturers’ representative the Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) have responded to the US Department of Transportation's (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) and a supporting comprehensive research report on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications technology. The report will include analysis of the Department's research findings in several key areas including technical
    Read More
  • Road signs removed to reduce ‘clutter’
    January 4, 2013
    In a response to a move to remove unnecessary clutter in cities and rural areas, more than 9,000 road traffic signs have been taken down in England, where local councils have been urged to think more creatively about the number and location of their location. Ministers have warned that excessive signs can be a distraction to motorists and make roads appear unattractive. In October 2011, the requirement for certain road signs was lifted; the government plans to give councils more discretion over where they p
    Read More
  • What's next for traffic management and data collection?
    January 26, 2012
    As the technologies and stakeholders in traffic management evolve, what can we expect to see happening in the coming years? For many, the conversation of the moment is just how, and how far, the newer technologies and services provided principally by the private sector should be allowed to intrude into the realms of traffic management.
    Read More
  • IAM dismayed at political parties for not tackling road death initiatives
    April 24, 2015
    The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has reacted with dismay at the lack of priority given to cutting deaths on UK roads by the main political parties in their election manifestos. Despite road accidents being the leading cause of death for males and females between five and 19, and the third leading cause of death for both males and females aged 20-34 in England and Wales, no party has published any long or short-term initiatives to tackle such a significant cause of death amongst young people.
    Read More

Highlighted Content