GOVERNMENT'S MOMENT OF MOBILE MADNESS
The government has misunderstood the psyche of the general public in its presentation
of the Department of Transport proposal about mobile phones and driving, Jane
Stanley, Managing Director of The Chameleon Group believes. The Chameleon
Group is an expert in installing professionally fitted, hands free car kits
into vehicles. Actually banning the use of hand held mobiles by car drivers
will be seen by the public as an attempt to restrict their 24/7 lifestyle
and just won't work.
Stanley says, "the government should have recognised the need for an education campaign a long time ago and should know by now that the words 'ban' and 'legislate' have negative associations. The emphasis should have been on showing people that safer hands free communication kits wired into cars not only saves lives but allows people to multitask and to make the most of the benefits mobile technology brings."
David Lewis, a pre-eminent psychologist supports this argument. He says, "in order to convince the public to adopt safer attitudes to driving, the government should have highlighted the visible lifestyle benefits that it brings. I believe that without this incentive the ban will take years to implement and lives will be lost. Before any ban can be successful the government will have to address the following three key psychological traits of consumers:
Cost-Benefit Analysis: We live in a high pressure 24/7 society and the benefits of using a mobile phone anytime, anyplace, anywhere far outweigh the likelihood of being caught and facing a fine. When we assess the risk of an action we perceive it to be higher for others than ourselves, hence the 43%* of drivers who do not think that using a mobile whilst driving affects their own performance.
Cognitive Dissonance: Very few of us know anybody that has been injured through a driving accident resulting from mobile phone use. Until we have real-life evidence that mobile phones are a distraction and a hazard, we will remain largely unconvinced.
What's In It For Me Syndrome: Until we are certain that one course of action is better for us than another, we'll continue doing what we have always done."
Stanley adds, "We've installed over three quarters of a million car kits nationwide in our 13 successful years, and during this time we've witnessed a culture that has become increasingly more dependent on mobile phones and technology. People expect to be in touch, whether they are at work, at home or in the car." She continues, "with potential legislation being introduced to minimise the hazards of using a mobile phone whilst driving, we hope customers will be driven to our e-commerce website in search of factual information to help their purchasing decision. Customers can buy car kits online or they can call our customer information line, 08000 521640."
On The Chameleon Group website, www.chameleondirect.com, customers will find car kits compatible with the most popular mobile phone makes and models, although people should call the customer information line for special requests. Car kits and installation prices start at just 248.99 (Inc. VAT), including a parts and labour warranty and the Chameleon franchisees or engineers will come to you, whether at home or at work! Each engineer works to the MPT1362 code of practice, as well as being fully insured for public liability and any damage to the customer's car.
The Chameleon Group has also developed some top tips to help the public choose the best installation service for their hands free car kit.
Reputation, Reputation, Reputation: Select a reputable, reliable company that offer professionally fitted, hands free mobile phone car kits designed to compliment the look of your car and enhance your way of life.
Hole in One: Where possible ensure your car kit includes a non-damaging bracket that won't unnecessarily devalue your car.
Easy Access: Choose a company such as The Chameleon Group with a website that allows you to view before you buy online. You can also order over the telephone.
National Service: Look for a company that can provide engineers in your area. The Chameleon Group has 130 engineers nationwide who aim to make things easier for you. They can travel to your home or work to install your car kit.
Invest in the Best: When searching for an engineer, do not be afraid to check whether they work to the MPT1362 code of practice and are fully insured for public liability and damage to your vehicle.
A Little Bit More: Most of us enquire whether our purchases come with parts warranties but how many of us check it covers labour costs too? Ask whether the engineer offers a warranty on their workmanship so that you do not have to pay a call out charge if there is found to be a fault with the car kit.