Is it permissible to make phone calls while driving in case of emergencies?

[SanLawson]

It is not permissible to make phone calls while driving in case of emergencies. The following are relevant regulations and prohibited behaviors when operating a motor vehicle. Behaviors that compromise driving safety: After the newly revised "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" was promulgated, it came into effect on January 1, 2013, stipulating that: behaviors such as making or answering handheld phone calls while driving that compromise safety will incur a 2-point penalty. Additionally, making phone calls while driving also endangers personal safety. The following behaviors are prohibited when driving a motor vehicle: Driving when the doors or compartments are not properly closed; hanging or placing items within the front and rear windows of the motor vehicle's cab that obstruct the driver's view; making or answering handheld phone calls, watching television, or engaging in other activities that compromise driving safety.

[LilyLee]

Using a phone while driving is absolutely unacceptable, even for urgent matters. Having driven for many years, I've witnessed numerous serious accidents caused by distractions. Once, I saw a young man talking on the phone while driving, and his car lost control and crashed into a tree by the roadside. Now, the law clearly states that using a handheld phone while driving will result in penalty points and fines if caught. Not to mention the safety risks—holding a phone with one hand and the steering wheel with the other leaves you unprepared for sudden situations. The best approach is to connect a Bluetooth headset in advance or simply pull over to a service area or safe spot to handle calls. If it's truly urgent, using the speakerphone is an option, but keeping your eyes on the road is paramount. Safety always comes first; the few minutes saved by taking a call are nothing compared to the hassle of dealing with an accident.

[LeSarah]

No matter how urgent the matter is, you should never touch your phone while holding the steering wheel. Distracted driving due to phone calls is particularly dangerous, with experimental data showing that reaction speed can drop by nearly 50%. Last year, a friend of mine had to pay tens of thousands in repair costs after failing to notice a lane-changing vehicle while answering a client's call. Although new cars now come with Bluetooth hands-free features, the brain still gets distracted processing conversation content during calls. I recommend developing the habit of setting your phone to silent mode when getting in the car. For truly urgent matters, you can use voice assistants to handle them. Remember, any handheld phone usage while driving is illegal, and you will be fined if caught by the police. Pulling over with hazard lights on is the only legal option.

[StCarmen]

Using a phone while driving is like playing with your life. Road conditions can change in an instant, and those few seconds spent looking down at your phone could mean missing a critical situation. Once on a rainy day, I almost rear-ended another car because the driver ahead suddenly slowed down to take a call. Even with hands-free Bluetooth, poor call quality might make you unconsciously raise your voice, leading to even more distraction. Nowadays, even smartwatches can take calls, but glancing at the screen is still dangerous. The only safe approach is to pull over at the nearest gas station or parking lot—remember to turn on your hazard lights. Alternatively, set up an auto-reply message on your car's system to inform callers you'll return their call later when it's safe to drive.

[AllisonRose]

In actual driving situations when encountering emergencies, I always immediately observe the road conditions to find a safe parking spot. On highways, it's mandatory to pull into service areas, while in urban roads, roadside parking spaces are preferable. Not only is holding a phone illegal, but it also easily leads to operational errors. Last year, a colleague received a call from the boss while driving and accidentally pressed the windshield wiper button in panic, nearly hitting the guardrail. Nowadays, many vehicles are equipped with steering wheel call buttons, allowing calls to be answered with a light press, but it's still important to keep conversations brief and end them quickly. For longer discussions, it's safer to use navigation to find the nearest parking area icon, park within three to five minutes, and then make the call.

[ReaganLynn]

As a seasoned driver, I must remind you never to touch your phone when it vibrates while driving. The brain becomes overloaded when handling calls and driving simultaneously, just like a computer freezing when too many programs are running. I once witnessed a courier running a red light and crashing into a guardrail while talking on the phone and driving. Legally, holding a phone while driving results in a 3-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine. Some drivers overestimate their skills, but a delayed reaction during sudden tire bursts or pedestrians darting out can lead to accidents. It's recommended to use voice commands for calls or invest in a magnetic mount to keep your eyes on the road. For urgent matters, turn on hazard lights and slow down on the right, but never stop in the main lane.