Phones at the wheel: browsing is more dangerous than talking

Have you noticed that in recent years, drivers stopped at a traffic light lower their heads and carefully examine… the space between their knees. Others look slightly to the right – where the gear shift lever or a coffee cup would usually be. Even when the traffic light turns green or the car in front starts moving, the driver continues their intense focus until impatient drivers begin to honk. If previously the delay in starting to move was more often attributed to “new drivers,” now it’s the opposite – this ritual more often delays traffic due to those who consider themselves the most experienced drivers. Yes, you’re right, it’s the mobile phone. And it’s not being used for calls, but for browsing social media. on social networks, messages are being written, notifications are being read.

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. “As long as I am participating in traffic, I will not pick up the phone.” Short, clear, effective.
Do not disturb mode. Turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone. You can calmly respond to messages after finishing 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 it or reply? Pull over into a parking lot or lay-by – a traffic jam or a red light does not give you the right to pick up your phone.