FLEET operators have been urged to take on board the results of a survey which found that cell phone users were four times more likely to have accidents than other drivers. The study of 700 drivers with car phones by doctors at the University of Toronto, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, concluded that hands-free phones were no safer than hand-held versions - the extra risk factor being lack of concentration.

Following news of the survey, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said companies operating fleets had a duty to keep in-car distractions to a minimum and should avoid adding to the problem by phoning drivers during journeys. RoSPA occupational safety advisor Roger Bibbings said anything which distracted drivers or gave rise to stress should be avoided.