Cell Phones While Driving

One of the most popular ways of keeping contact with your dive buddies whilst on route to a diving destination is via text message, whatsapp or simply by phoning them. Beware that current legislation governs the use of using mobile phones while driving strictly.
No person shall drive a vehicle on a public road while:
In everyday English, this simply means that you may not use a cellular telephone to text, WhatsApp, BBM, or phone, unless you have a hands free car kit fitted permanent or semi-permanent and activated, thus paired, to your cell phone. You may also make use of external speakers, such as a “walk and talk” device. Our interpretation of the walk and talk device is rather not to rely on such a device as you will still have to hold the communications device in one or both hands whilst dialling. Not only are you liable to a fine if you do so, but this can be regarded as contributing towards negligent driving.
In the interests of safety, rather refrain from using your phone while you drive. If you have to use it, either pull off the road safely – and legally! Alternatively, make use of a fully installed hands free car kit.
LET’S WATCH TV OR A VIDEO WHILST BUSY WITH THAT LONG DRIVE TO THE DIVE SPOT, OR NOT?
This usually applies to drivers installing display units for passengers to screen movies or other promotional footage via DVD and other media to keep passengers occupied during the travels.
However, no person may operate on a public road a motor vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit in or on the vehicle operated while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, if any part or portion of the image on the screen is visible to the driver from the normal driving position or is likely to distract the driver or other road users.
These provisions do not apply when driving a bus and the visual display unit is, or displays, a destination sign or other bus sign, or the visual display unit is, or is part of, a driver’s navigational or intelligent driving aid or driving a double deck bus having a TV monitor.
In summary thus, you may look, and off course accept the guidance of your GPS, but ensure to plot your destination prior to pulling off, or make your changes only when you are at a safe spot to do so, keeping in mind driver safety. It is also important to note that stopping on a freeway is a road traffic offence, unless you have an emergency or you are ordered to top by a traffic- or police official. Even in the latter case, stop where it is safe.
COMPLACANCY
Do you remember the days when you were learning to drive? Do you remember the days when you were learning to qualify for your diving certification? Anxious moments, weren’t they? Some moments were very anxious to me, as I recall. Well, true to human nature, once we are versed in a skill or trade, we relax. It gets easier as we practice more. In fact when we go on holiday, we are expected to “relax”.
Unfortunately, a large proportion of diving accidents indicate human error as cause. In short – complacency: we tend to become more relaxed and, ultimately, negligent. Complacency erodes due diligence, and that – in turn – becomes human error.
Accidents can happen at any time. However the higher the risk of the activity we are engaged in, the more likely they are and the more dire the consequences. Consider diving and driving, for instance: Both are high risk activities, but in time we get overly confident. Training is not the problem. If it was, we would have only novice drivers and divers involved in incidents. The more comfortable we get, the less vigilant we become. Recent incidents in South Africa and internationally, according to our law libraries, increasingly reference lack of due diligence amongst divers (and drivers).
Divers are strongly urged not to fall into the trap of complacency. You have been taught well. PLAN YOUR DIVES! Moreover, stick to the dive plans. Do your pre-dive checks properly.
Dive operators and dive leaders need to realise that the conduct of the leading teams are now under increasing scrutiny of our courts. Individuals lacking the test of due diligence have been chastised by our courts by name. Not only have their reputations been tarnished, but they have been required of to pay astronomical amounts of compensation.
DAN advises all dive businesses and operators to:
- holding a cellular or mobile telephone or any other communication device (which includes a two way radio) in one or both hands, or with any other part of the body, or
- using or operating a cellular or mobile telephone or other communication device
- affixed to the vehicle or is part of the fixture in the vehicle, and remains so affixed while being used or operated, or is
- specially adapted or designed to be affixed to the person of the driver as headgear, and is so used, to enable such driver to use or operate such telephone or communication device without holding it in the manner explained above, and remains
- affixed while being used or operated.Similar words than those used in the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 are employed to clarify the confusing wording of the legislation.
- a device which specially designed or adapted to allow the driver to use a cellular or mobile telephone or other communication device in such a manner that he or she does not hold it in one or both hands or with any other part of the body, and
- which is connected to the cellular or mobile telephone or other communication device concerned, directly or indirectly, while being fitted to, or attached to one or both ears of the driver
In everyday English, this simply means that you may not use a cellular telephone to text, WhatsApp, BBM, or phone, unless you have a hands free car kit fitted permanent or semi-permanent and activated, thus paired, to your cell phone. You may also make use of external speakers, such as a “walk and talk” device. Our interpretation of the walk and talk device is rather not to rely on such a device as you will still have to hold the communications device in one or both hands whilst dialling. Not only are you liable to a fine if you do so, but this can be regarded as contributing towards negligent driving.
In the interests of safety, rather refrain from using your phone while you drive. If you have to use it, either pull off the road safely – and legally! Alternatively, make use of a fully installed hands free car kit.
LET’S WATCH TV OR A VIDEO WHILST BUSY WITH THAT LONG DRIVE TO THE DIVE SPOT, OR NOT?
This usually applies to drivers installing display units for passengers to screen movies or other promotional footage via DVD and other media to keep passengers occupied during the travels.
However, no person may operate on a public road a motor vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit in or on the vehicle operated while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, if any part or portion of the image on the screen is visible to the driver from the normal driving position or is likely to distract the driver or other road users.
These provisions do not apply when driving a bus and the visual display unit is, or displays, a destination sign or other bus sign, or the visual display unit is, or is part of, a driver’s navigational or intelligent driving aid or driving a double deck bus having a TV monitor.
In summary thus, you may look, and off course accept the guidance of your GPS, but ensure to plot your destination prior to pulling off, or make your changes only when you are at a safe spot to do so, keeping in mind driver safety. It is also important to note that stopping on a freeway is a road traffic offence, unless you have an emergency or you are ordered to top by a traffic- or police official. Even in the latter case, stop where it is safe.
COMPLACANCY
Do you remember the days when you were learning to drive? Do you remember the days when you were learning to qualify for your diving certification? Anxious moments, weren’t they? Some moments were very anxious to me, as I recall. Well, true to human nature, once we are versed in a skill or trade, we relax. It gets easier as we practice more. In fact when we go on holiday, we are expected to “relax”.
Unfortunately, a large proportion of diving accidents indicate human error as cause. In short – complacency: we tend to become more relaxed and, ultimately, negligent. Complacency erodes due diligence, and that – in turn – becomes human error.
Accidents can happen at any time. However the higher the risk of the activity we are engaged in, the more likely they are and the more dire the consequences. Consider diving and driving, for instance: Both are high risk activities, but in time we get overly confident. Training is not the problem. If it was, we would have only novice drivers and divers involved in incidents. The more comfortable we get, the less vigilant we become. Recent incidents in South Africa and internationally, according to our law libraries, increasingly reference lack of due diligence amongst divers (and drivers).
Divers are strongly urged not to fall into the trap of complacency. You have been taught well. PLAN YOUR DIVES! Moreover, stick to the dive plans. Do your pre-dive checks properly.
Dive operators and dive leaders need to realise that the conduct of the leading teams are now under increasing scrutiny of our courts. Individuals lacking the test of due diligence have been chastised by our courts by name. Not only have their reputations been tarnished, but they have been required of to pay astronomical amounts of compensation.
DAN advises all dive businesses and operators to:
- Take due care of your dive operation; it is simply not worth taking chances.
- Consider joining DAN’s Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) programme as a business partner; be pro- active in mitigating your risk.
Posted in Dive Safety Tips
Categories
2021
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March
1 Comment
Great reminder to pay attention to rules always.