More motorists than ever tweet, text and talk at the wheel
More motorists than ever are driving illegally by using a mobile phone to text, call up the internet and check social networks such as Facebook and Twitter while at the wheel, new research reveals.
Four years on from the introduction of new tougher laws on the use of a hand held phone, drivers are increasingly putting other road users in danger with their reckless behaviour, as well as risking a fine.
A new survey carried out for Halfords reveals the growing appetite for using a hand held phone while driving. Those confessing to checking texts while driving are up a quarter on this time last year. Meanwhile, social networking from cars has doubled and the number making and receiving calls is 29 per cent higher than a year ago.
The disturbing figures show how the current law, with the penalty of a £60 fine and three penalty points, is being flouted and campaigns to persuade motorists to use hands-free kits or stay off the phone are being largely ignored.
Some 41 per cent of drivers admit to taking a phone call and almost three in ten (29 per cent) have made at least one call in the last year. This compares with 31 per cent and 22 per cent in a similar survey carried out 12 months ago. Men are the worst culprits (35 per cent male compared to 22 per cent female).
However, these figures could be even higher, as 60 per cent of adults say they have been a passenger in a car when the driver has made or received a phone call.
The rapid growth in the ownership of smart and touchscreen phones may have led to the hazardous trend for drivers to use social media outlets at the wheel.
The survey shows how the lure of using social networks while driving is proving too much of a temptation for one in ten motorists. When the same question was asked last year, five per cent owned up to either reading a post on Facebook, Twitter or another social site – demonstrating how the problem is growing.
Four per cent said they used their multi media phones to read an email while still in charge of a car, while three per cent actually posted on Facebook or sent an email. Three per cent said they used the internet to check traffic reports or used the phone as a satnav to find directions.
Many justified phone use by claiming they only did it when in stationary traffic or at traffic lights, though this is still illegal.
The number who have played music and changed tracks on their hand held mobile is recorded at 15 per cent.
Halfords carried out the research to coincide with the fourth anniversary of toughened legislation introduced in February 2007 to discourage more people from using hand held phones while driving.
Halfords In-Car Technology Expert Nik Dix said: “Smart phones are making it possible for more information to be received and shared on the go and some drivers are misusing this facility, putting themselves and other road users in danger.
“The only way to use a mobile phone legally and drive with due care and attention is to install a hands-free devise in your car.
“Halfords offers a range of hands-free solutions such as the basic headsets, visor speakers and fully fitted kits that can even read your text messages out for you. If drivers are uncertain about how to comply with the law and stay safe on the road, Halfords’ trained specialists offer professional advice and fittings in store.”