COMMON sense dictates that it is dangerous to use a mobile phone while driving. Leaving one hand to steer, signal and change gear is risky enough. But to do so while your mind is distracted by a telephone conversation is madness.

Yet we are so wedded to these little gadgets that common sense often goes out of the sunroof.

The Government is now attempting to ring the changes. Ministers hope the law which came into force today banning the use of hand-held phones while driving will make our roads safer.

There are grumblers who say this is another example of meddling by the nanny state. Not so. The Government has a duty to legislate against those who are a danger to others.

Figures show that a driver using a mobile phone is four times more likely to be involved in an accident. That shocking statistic has not been enough to make motorists put their mobile out of harm's way: perhaps the new law will.

Criticisms of the legislation echo those heard when car users were first compelled to wear a seat belt. This too was the nanny state interfering, unenforceable, an infringement of civil liberty.

But it worked. Virtually everyone now belts up as a matter of routine, and road casualties have been slashed as a result.

Crucially, the law did not have to be zealously prosecuted to change motorists' mindsets. Hopefully the same will be true of the phone ban.

The signs are good. Police are giving motorists two months' grace to get used to the mobile phone ban. We trust the message will filter through. The last thing the police or public want is for officers to be diverted from crime-fighting duties to deal with the phone pests.

Updated: 11:52 Monday, December 01, 2003