Very very sobering.

Should be compulsory viewing for a driving test.

Very sobering, and surely a saultory lesson for anyone who thinks that either 'multi-tasking' and/or driving too close and not paying much attention at speed on the road is not a problem and their 'modern safety systems' will prevent an accident.

Even 'hands-free' phoning can be extremely dangerous, because it takes the attention of the driver's brain away from the road, especially as the person on the other end of the phone often does not apprecaite or care about what is going on on the other end of the phone other than what they are talking about.

I was using my previous phone's in-built satnav facility a few years ago on the way home (on the south-eastern section of the M25 in the rain) and my (then) manager called me repeatedly and got annoyed - mainly because I told him what I was doing and I would not be able to talk whilst driving, even hands-free.

He realised why when I spoke to him about it the following day and apologised.

That incident could've happened to me had I continued the call. I now always make sure the 'do not disturb' feature is on when driving. I also only do anything that takes my attention away from driving like changing the A/C setting or radio station when the road is clear for a long way ahead and behind. I'd rather be alive (and not put others in danger) and slightly inconvenienced than risk an accident.

I also make sure passengers (politely) know when I need them to keep quiet in order to concentrate on driving in more challenging circumstances. I learned that from my Dad as a youngster. Better to be safe than sorry, as the driver is responsible for the safety for all on board and other road users.