The dangers of smart-watches and driving

We all know about the dangers of mobile phones and driving

Statistics from Think! show that if you use a mobile phone while driving, your reaction times are around 50% slower and you are four times more likely to crash.

Since 2003 it has been illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. However, even with the ban in place, the Daily Mail reports that one in four car accidents is still caused by using a mobile while driving.

Today, drivers who are caught can expect to receive an automatic fixed penalty notice, which means three penalty points on their driving licence and a £100 fine.

If a driver's case goes to court he/she could be disqualified from driving and be fined up to £1,000. For drivers of buses or goods vehicles, the maximum fine goes up to £2,500. 

The risk of using a smart-watch while driving could be even greater

Using a mobile phone when driving slows your reactions and increases your risk of crashing because your full concentration is not on the road.

If you use a handheld device the risk is greater because not only is your concentration compromised, but you are also driving one-handed and without full control of the vehicle.

So, imagine using a smart-watch while driving. 

How many hands do you have on the wheel now?

While a phone can be put down, turned off or silenced, a watch is always there and constantly accessible, with alerts popping up and messages just waiting to be answered. 

And if you're constantly tempted to look at it, to press its buttons and to read its tiny screen, your eyes won't be on the road.

Smart-watches are already available to buy

With some smart-watches already on the market, and the Apple Watch due to be released next year, they are already set to turn into the next must-have piece of technology.


It's time to take action

If you have employees who drive — professionally or otherwise — they should be aware of the dangers. Not only the risks of using a smart-watch themselves while driving, but also the risk of driving on roads where other drivers may be distracted.

Our hard-hitting poster could help you get the message across

To help our clients raise awareness of the dangers of smart-watches, we have produced a poster on the subject.

Promoting safe driving

At Kodiak Industrial we produce many posters on safe driving and avoiding collisions. 

If you employ drivers, our posters could help you to highlight common dangers, recommend good practice and encourage safer driving.

Just some of the subjects we cover on a regular basis include:

• checking mirrors and blind spots
• staged accidents and insurance fraud
• lights and signals
• occupational road risk
• anticipation and reading the road
• avoiding rear-end shunts
• speeding
• seasonal driving
• the dangers of mobile phones and driving
• stationary objects such as railings, bollards and lamp posts
• cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users

To find out more, visit our website: www.kodiak.co.uk or give us a call on 01530 456 000.