Drivers using sat navs & cruise control could face a £5000 fine - here's why
MOTORISTS may be issued fines and penalty points for simply using in-car technology such as sat navs or cruise control, according to the Highway Code.
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Motorists must have proper control over their vehicles at all times and must not become distracted by technology. Failing to have proper control over a vehicle could see drivers charged with distracted or even dangerous driving offences.
The Highway Code states: "There is a danger of driver distraction being caused by in-vehicle systems such as satellite navigation systems, congestion warning systems, PCs, multimedia, etc.
“You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. Do not rely on driver assistance systems such as motorway assist, lane departure warnings, or remote control parking.
“They are available to assist but you should not reduce your concentration levels.
“Do not be distracted by maps or screen-based information (such as navigation or vehicle management systems) while driving or riding. If necessary find a safe place to stop.”
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The Highway Code says drivers are still responsible for their vehicle if they use driver assistance technology such as cruise control or motorway assist.
Road users are still responsible for their vehicle if they use a hand-held remote parking application.
Drivers must have full control over these systems at all times and cannot blame the technology alone for causing a crash.
Failing to have control over your car could see motorists issued a dangerous driving penalty.
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This can see fines rise as high as £5,000 with motorists set to receive nine penalty points if their case goes to court.
In some severe cases, motorists could even receive a temporary driving ban meaning they will be unable to drive for a certain period.
Car insurance policies are also likely to be invalidated if a motorist has damaged their car by driving without proper control of their cars.
IAM RoadSafety have previously warned distractions such as in-car technology “can be fatal”.
They have previously warned multi-tasking and driving doesn’t mix as motorists take their eyes off the road to fiddle with gadgets.
Vehicle recovery expert, Kieron Kavanagh, owner of KavanaghRescue, has previously told Express.co.uk how in car technology was putting motorists in danger
He said technology was partly to blame for a fall in driving standards as gadgets created a false sense of security for those behind the wheel.
Mr Kavanagh told Express.co.uk: “We see an over-reliance on vehicle technology which can create a false sense of safety.
“With so many distractions, such as mobile phones and sat-navs, it seems like less attention is on the road.
However, some experts have claimed in-car technology could be beneficial to motorists and may improve road safety among the elderly.
Technology such as collision warning systems and sleep detection cameras could help improve the safety for drivers once they reach 70 years old.
Some technology can even warn drivers when they become distracted so they can change their actions to avoid a collision.
RAC Foundation director, Steve Gooding said technology had a large role to play to keep people safe.