Using mobiles while driving rife

A startling 95% of motorists regularly see other drivers looking at their phones in stationary traffic, claims new research.

According to a survey of more than 2,000 drivers carried out by the RAC, illegal mobile phone use is endemic, with 64% of motorists saying that in the last hour they spent driving they saw at least one driver committing the offence.

Of those, 6% claimed they saw between five and seven drivers breaking the law, whereas 36% witnessed one or two. Only 26% of motorists surveyed said they did not see anyone doing this.

Nearly one in five (16%) motorists questioned said on every journey they make they see others looking down as if they are interacting with their phones while stopped at traffic lights. The remaining 84% (of the 95%) who said they see this, do so less frequently.

Three in 10 admitted that they they have used a handheld phone at the wheel; 29% claim they do it occasionally whilst the other 1% show utter contempt for the current law, which came into force 13 years ago, saying they use their handheld phones on most journeys.

The main reason cited by 61% of respondents for occasional phone use at the wheel was to make a short call. Half (49%) of those admitting to using a handheld phone when driving said they had checked email or text messages, and a similar percentage (47%) had sent a text message.

While there is little difference in illegal phone use between male and female drivers; more men admit to using a handheld phone at the wheel than women (64% v 57%), whereas more women than men own up to sending a text (52% v 5%)

In age terms, almost a third of those surveyed (31%) say they see drivers of all ages committing the offence, but unsurprisingly the problem appears to be most prevalent in those under the age of 40 with 50% claiming they most frequently see drivers of this age group on their phones, either in a moving or stationary vehicle.

“As a society we need to change drivers’ thinking to make them understand the serious consequences their decision to use their handheld phones can have,” said the RAC’s Simon Williams.

“Using a hand held phone should be regarded as being as socially unacceptable as drinking and driving.”

The current fine for using a handheld mobile phone when driving is three penalty points and a £100 fine. The Government has just carried out a consultation on raising the fine to £150 and increasing the penalty points for non-HGV drivers from three to four.