There are many states in the U.S. that have imposed fines for driving while using your cell phone, but if you live in the UK you could get some real prison time! New rules have been imposed in an effort to stem the amount of accidents caused by motorists distracted by using their cell phones.

Drivers who get caught using their cell phone while operating a motor vehicle will now be charged with ?Dangerous Driving? an offense which carries a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison as opposed to the lesser charge of ?Careless Driving? that often would result in a fine or community service.

The new rule will have its greatest impact when it comes to deciding the fate of drivers who have caused a fatal accident while using a cell phone. A person could be convicted on the charge of ?Manslaughter? which is punishable of up to life in prison or now the lesser charge of ?Dangerous Driving? which carries a lower maximum sentence ?either way it's not worth the risk.

Motorists are encouraged to use a hands-free device to make and receive phone calls while driving to avoid being charged with ?Dangerous Driving?, but text messaging is still prohibited.

Source: Mobileburn