Multitasking results in chaos behind the wheel

Britainís small business community is pushing multitasking too far when it comes to time spent behind the wheel. Almost half (42%) of entrepreneurs confess to eating and drinking on the move and almost a quarter (23%) still illegally use their mobile phone without a hands free kit, according to the annual transport survey* conducted by leading business cashflow provider Bibby Financial Services.

And it appears that while trying to cram as much as possible into time spent driving business owners and managers are paying a hefty price for activities behind the wheel.

This behaviour, coupled with other every day car-based antics such as map reading, inserting a cassette or CD and tuning the radio, means that almost three in 10 (27%) have experienced a ënear missí when driving to and from work and during office hours.

Despite their best efforts to eat lunch and make those all important calls en route, over a quarter (26%) of owners and managers are still arriving over an hour late to business meetings. And not taking the time prior to setting off to plan their route is leaving over a third of owners and managers (34%) driving around lost, and careless parking habits cost 28% of entrepreneursí fines.

Rule 126 of the Highway Code states that ësafe driving needs concentrationí, and firmly condemns actions such as eating and drinking, which can cause distraction. And of course since December 2003 it has been an offence to use a handheld phone, or similar device when driving a vehicle.

David Robertson chief executive of Bibby Financial Services said: ìWith the average person in Britain spending 221 hours in a car last year** and travel by car accounting for some 85% of the total distance travelled itís clear that the use of cars is relentless, despite the governmentís best efforts. A good, reliable source of transport is crucial particularly for those with a business to run, but I urge owners and managers to look at their driving habits and those of their team to ensure it is as safe as possible for themselves and other road users.

ìEnsure everyone is aware of the legal implications of their driving habits and also best-practice advice and guidance. Encourage people to leave plenty of time for their journey, and take the opportunity for a break and to make any necessary calls at a caf or service station near to your destination. With summer time looming, and more people on the roads than at any other time of the year safe driving is crucial.î