As of Friday, officials have been paying more attention to three driver violations.

According to the head of the Lithuanian Highway Police Service, Vytautas Grašis, European statistics show that men, more often than women, use the phone while driving, holding it in their hands: two out of five men and one out of every three women. However, the latter are more likely to be involved in accidents due to distractions.

V. Grašys identifies the 5 most important reasons for driver distraction:

1. Use of mobile devices.
2. Too much attention to petty things that are not related to monitoring the traffic environment (for example, reading information on billboards, road construction jobs, etc.).
3. Using other devices (for example, radio volume control, GPS settings).
4. Talking to the passengers.
5. Eating, smoking, drinking coffee, beautifying (eyelashes, lip coloring) and other activities.

“I want to emphasize that mass talking of drivers on the phone, texting, or other distractions is not only a problem for Lithuania, but states across the world face such irresponsible behavior.” Statistics show that up to two thirds of all drivers tend to violate existing bans, “says V. Grašys, head of the Lithuanian Highway Police Service.

According to him, women are more responsible drivers: compared to men, they drive less aggressively, they are more inclined to keep a safe distance, they do not exceed the speed limit, they respect other road users, so it is not for nothing that women take such security measures.

“I hope his voice is heard and that at least some of the drivers stop using the phone,” the official said.

V. Grašys advises how to behave safely behind the wheel so that the driver’s attention is not affected:

1. Turn off your cell phone if you know you won’t refrain from answering.
2. Have a hands-free kit that you can call in case of an emergency.
3. Make sure children and pets are safe.
4. Have a snack before or after driving.
5. Set up the GPS before starting the engine and moving.

Traffic regulations state that motor vehicle drivers are prohibited from using mobile devices when using them by hand, unless the engine of the stationary vehicle is turned off. This means that writing messages, talking on the phone, surfing the Internet and using your mobile device by hand is only possible when you stop safely in an authorized place and turn off the engine of the vehicle you are driving.

Using a mobile device without a headset endangers not only your own health, but also the health or even the lives of others. For such non-driving related actions, a fine of 60 to 90 euros is granted in Lithuania. Also, perhaps the majority are unaware that this crime can lead to driving disqualifications of 1 to 3 months. Similar fines exist in Eastern European countries. Driving in Western Europe can result in a much stronger fine and even earn penalty points for breach of this ban.

Drivers are also urged not to use the phone behind the wheel by Rally Women participants. According to Neringa Simson, organizer of the Women’s Rally, the “Hold the wheel, not the phone” campaign is especially aimed at attracting the attention of female drivers.

“The pace of life has shaped the so-called ‘multi-tasking’ culture.” Says N. Simson.

The issue of safe and ethical behavior on the road at the Women’s Rally is one of the most important. For several years in a row, all event participants have signed the Women’s Rally Safe Behavior Statement, which consists of ten “golden” rules published in the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) Road Safety Action program. The seventh rule states: “I don’t use mobile devices while driving.”