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28/08/2015
Young Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Driving
Young drivers are more likely to use their mobile phones while driving, according to a recent survey.
The study was conducted by Surveygoo on behalf of road safety charity Brake.
The survey questioned 1,000 drivers from across the UK on whether they had spoken on the phone while driving, hands-held or hands-free.
Results suggests more than a third (35%) of young drivers (17-24) have talked to family on the phone while driving.
Over two in five young drivers (21%) have spoken to friends, while almost half (49%) have had a work-related call while driving.
Brake has called for all phone use, including hands-free, to be banned while driving.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said: "In the modern world, drivers are confronted with many distractions that prevent them from giving the road their full attention, risking devastating crashes and loss of life.
"It is a sobering thought that a significant number of these life-threatening distractions come from drivers' own friends and family.
"That's why we're urging people to put their loved ones safety first by refusing to speak to them on the phone while they are driving.
"Employers, too, have an important responsibility to make sure they are not putting their employees in danger."
The survey also asked motorists how long they drive without taking a break, with almost two thirds (67%) admitting driving for more than the recommended two hours.
Ms Townsend added: "Drivers taking to the road this weekend could also be putting themselves and others at risk by pushing themselves too far without a break. Our appeal to drivers this weekend, and year-round, is take regular breaks, at least every two hours, and use these for calls and to recharge. No call or message is so important that it can't wait until you're safely off the road."
(LM)
The study was conducted by Surveygoo on behalf of road safety charity Brake.
The survey questioned 1,000 drivers from across the UK on whether they had spoken on the phone while driving, hands-held or hands-free.
Results suggests more than a third (35%) of young drivers (17-24) have talked to family on the phone while driving.
Over two in five young drivers (21%) have spoken to friends, while almost half (49%) have had a work-related call while driving.
Brake has called for all phone use, including hands-free, to be banned while driving.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said: "In the modern world, drivers are confronted with many distractions that prevent them from giving the road their full attention, risking devastating crashes and loss of life.
"It is a sobering thought that a significant number of these life-threatening distractions come from drivers' own friends and family.
"That's why we're urging people to put their loved ones safety first by refusing to speak to them on the phone while they are driving.
"Employers, too, have an important responsibility to make sure they are not putting their employees in danger."
The survey also asked motorists how long they drive without taking a break, with almost two thirds (67%) admitting driving for more than the recommended two hours.
Ms Townsend added: "Drivers taking to the road this weekend could also be putting themselves and others at risk by pushing themselves too far without a break. Our appeal to drivers this weekend, and year-round, is take regular breaks, at least every two hours, and use these for calls and to recharge. No call or message is so important that it can't wait until you're safely off the road."
(LM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
