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Phones at the wheel: browsing is more dangerous than talking

Have you noticed that in recent years, when drivers stop at traffic lights, they lower their heads and carefully examine with their eyes… the space between the roads. Others look a little to the right – where the gearshift lever or a cup of coffee should usually be. Even when the traffic light turns on or the car in front moves, the driver continues his serious concentration, until the impatient ones start to call with a horn. If earlier, delay in moving was more often attributed to “green leaves”, now – on the contrary – because of this ritual, the most experienced drivers often hold up traffic. Yes, you are right, it is a mobile phone. And it is not used for making calls, but for browsing social networks, writing messages, reading notifications.

Some drivers make the excuse: “But I’m standing still.” Lithuanian courts even had a case where a person disputed a fine imposed by officers, claiming that his car’s engine was turned off at a red light. However, the courts have spoken unequivocally – stopping at a traffic light or in a traffic jam is not “parking”, since the car is participating in road traffic. Want to use your phone? Move out of traffic – stop in a parking lot or parking lot.

Why is "surfing" worse than "talking"?

Talking on the phone while driving (even with a hands-free device) slows down your reaction time, but browsing or texting on the phone is even worse for driving. Your eyes are off the road, your fingers are off the steering wheel, and your mind is thinking “just a second…”. At 50 km/h, that “second” turns into dozens of blind meters. International studies show that simply holding a phone in your hand increases the risk of an accident by 2.5 times, texting by 6 times, and dialing a number by as much as 12 times.

What is allowed (and not allowed) by the Lithuanian Traffic Police?

In Lithuania, drivers are prohibited from using mobile communication devices with their hands, except in three cases:

  • when a car or other driven vehicle is parked,
  • if the mobile communication device is controlled by a hands-free device while driving and the phone is in a special holder,
  • if while driving, the mobile communication device is controlled using the vehicle’s (hands-free) equipment installed on the steering wheel, multimedia or other means.

An important nuance that eliminates many excuses “but I’m only here for a moment…”: standing in a traffic jam or at a red light is not parking. Taking a phone in your hand while participating in road traffic, even if the engine is off, is already a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of 60-90 EUR, and if the violation is detected repeatedly, you may also face deprivation of your driving license for up to 3 months.

Numbers in Lithuania: the problem is not decreasing

According to Lithuanian police data, over the past five years, an average of >43 000 violations due to improper use of phones while driving have been detected annually (2020 – 34,900; 2021 – 42,260; 2022 – 51,362; 2023 – 46,026; 2024 – 44,760).

As many as 623 drivers were fined and temporarily disqualified from driving for repeated violations in 2024. In other words, being on your phone costs not only money, but also lost mobility.

Lessons from the Dutch: Smart cameras hunt down offenders

The Netherlands already uses smart traffic cameras that capture inappropriate phone use. The cameras are mounted diagonally downwards, so they “see” hands and even knees – i.e. they recognize phone use even if it is held under the steering wheel or on your feet. The footage is reviewed by a human, and if the violation is confirmed, a fine is issued, which in the Netherlands exceeds 400 euros. The message is simple: if you hold your phone in your hand, you will learn a lot.

What to do in practice

  • Personal rule. “I don’t pick up my phone while I’m in traffic.” Short, clear, effective.
  • Do not disturb mode. Turn on Do Not Disturb mode on your phone. You can answer messages calmly after your trip.
  • Holder + voice. If absolutely necessary, use your phone only in a holder and with a hands-free kit. No “I’ll write it down shortly.”
  • Navigation – before you go. Organize your route and playlist before you go.
  • Park “out of traffic”. Do you really need to read or write it down? Pull into a parking lot or parking space – traffic jams or red lights don’t give you the right to pick up your phone.
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