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11/12/2009
More Drivers Caught On Mobile
The number of people using mobile phones whilst driving has increased since tough penalties were introduced two years ago, according to an independent study.
The Transport Research Laboratory found 2.8% of car driver used hand-held devices in their car this year.
In 2006, prior to the implementation of fines and fixed penalty points, 2.6% admitted to talking on their phone while behind the wheel.
Drivers who use phone while driving are four times more likely to crash, the TRL said.
More than 14,000 vehicles contributed to the study, in 30 sites across London.
TRL said there is no evidence to suggest the findings are not the same right across the UK.
According to research, the number of drivers using mobiles in 2007 almost halved to 1.4%, after the fined imposed doubled to £60 and three penalty points were automatically added to drivers' licences.
However, this figures has steadily rose over the last two years.
Researchers suggested women aged 17-29 and men aged between 30 and 59 are the worst offenders.
"Your reaction time is likely to be slower, you're more likely to drift across into the adjacent lanes and you're less aware of what's going on around you," said Dr Nick Reed from TRL.
"You're less likely to check the mirrors and know there are vehicles there, so you're at a much greater risk of having an accident."
(PR/BMcc)
The Transport Research Laboratory found 2.8% of car driver used hand-held devices in their car this year.
In 2006, prior to the implementation of fines and fixed penalty points, 2.6% admitted to talking on their phone while behind the wheel.
Drivers who use phone while driving are four times more likely to crash, the TRL said.
More than 14,000 vehicles contributed to the study, in 30 sites across London.
TRL said there is no evidence to suggest the findings are not the same right across the UK.
According to research, the number of drivers using mobiles in 2007 almost halved to 1.4%, after the fined imposed doubled to £60 and three penalty points were automatically added to drivers' licences.
However, this figures has steadily rose over the last two years.
Researchers suggested women aged 17-29 and men aged between 30 and 59 are the worst offenders.
"Your reaction time is likely to be slower, you're more likely to drift across into the adjacent lanes and you're less aware of what's going on around you," said Dr Nick Reed from TRL.
"You're less likely to check the mirrors and know there are vehicles there, so you're at a much greater risk of having an accident."
(PR/BMcc)
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