Menu
04/11/2005
Many drivers still using mobiles, report claims
Nearly a quarter of drivers are still using hand-held mobile phones while driving, a new survey has revealed.
A study of 1,000 motorists by whatcar.com found that 24% of drivers admitted to using a hand-held phone to make quick calls while driving, while 8.6% said that they used one all the time.
The survey also found that 8.8% of drivers had promised to stop using a hand-held phone while behind the wheel.
However, although the survey found that 56.8% of motorists claimed that they never used a hand-held mobile while driving, What Car? claimed that those who did could be putting their lives and the lives of others in danger, citing studies, which showed that they were four times more likely to be involved in an accident.
The survey appears to contradict Department of Transport figures from last April, which suggested that only 1.5% of drivers still used mobiles.
What Car? Group Editor Steve Fowler said that the survey showed that the use of hand-held mobiles was “far more widespread” than the government believed. He said: “It doesn’t matter if you’re only making a quick call – hand-held phones are dangerously distracting.”
Mr Fowler said that What Car? wanted legislation to make the provision of hands-free kits with every new phone compulsory, as well as more traffic police on the roads to enforce mobile phone laws.
Responding to the survey, Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said: “I’m pleased that the results still show that drivers who think it’s acceptable to use their phones without stopping are in the minority.
“W e stand by our survey work as an objective way to monitor use. We’ll also be monitoring annual prosecution figures.”
A spokesperson for the Association of Chief Police Officers said: “The Road Safety Bill, which is currently before Parliament, will make driving whilst using a mobile phone an endorsable offence. We hope that the additional penalty points will concentrate the minds of drivers on the implications of offending and its consequences.
“In the meantime, police will continue to target those individuals who insist on putting themselves and others at risk by disregarding road traffic law.”
However, road safety charity Brake said that three penalty points and a £60 fine was “simply not enough” to deter some drivers and also called for a complete ban on the use of mobiles while driving.
Mary Williams OBE, Brake Chief Executive, said: “It is appalling that so many drivers put lives at risk by driving while using their mobile phones.
“Driving is the most dangerous thing that most of us do on a daily basis, and it requires our full attention.”
(KMcA/SP)
A study of 1,000 motorists by whatcar.com found that 24% of drivers admitted to using a hand-held phone to make quick calls while driving, while 8.6% said that they used one all the time.
The survey also found that 8.8% of drivers had promised to stop using a hand-held phone while behind the wheel.
However, although the survey found that 56.8% of motorists claimed that they never used a hand-held mobile while driving, What Car? claimed that those who did could be putting their lives and the lives of others in danger, citing studies, which showed that they were four times more likely to be involved in an accident.
The survey appears to contradict Department of Transport figures from last April, which suggested that only 1.5% of drivers still used mobiles.
What Car? Group Editor Steve Fowler said that the survey showed that the use of hand-held mobiles was “far more widespread” than the government believed. He said: “It doesn’t matter if you’re only making a quick call – hand-held phones are dangerously distracting.”
Mr Fowler said that What Car? wanted legislation to make the provision of hands-free kits with every new phone compulsory, as well as more traffic police on the roads to enforce mobile phone laws.
Responding to the survey, Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said: “I’m pleased that the results still show that drivers who think it’s acceptable to use their phones without stopping are in the minority.
“W e stand by our survey work as an objective way to monitor use. We’ll also be monitoring annual prosecution figures.”
A spokesperson for the Association of Chief Police Officers said: “The Road Safety Bill, which is currently before Parliament, will make driving whilst using a mobile phone an endorsable offence. We hope that the additional penalty points will concentrate the minds of drivers on the implications of offending and its consequences.
“In the meantime, police will continue to target those individuals who insist on putting themselves and others at risk by disregarding road traffic law.”
However, road safety charity Brake said that three penalty points and a £60 fine was “simply not enough” to deter some drivers and also called for a complete ban on the use of mobiles while driving.
Mary Williams OBE, Brake Chief Executive, said: “It is appalling that so many drivers put lives at risk by driving while using their mobile phones.
“Driving is the most dangerous thing that most of us do on a daily basis, and it requires our full attention.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 August 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.
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.
30 May 2005
‘Tailgaters’ and mobile users ‘most dangerous drivers’, survey claims
Drivers who ‘tailgate’ other vehicles and those who use handheld phones while driving are the most dangerous threats on the road, according to a new survey. Research conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) found that half of the drivers surveyed regarded these two activities as “highly dangerous”.
‘Tailgaters’ and mobile users ‘most dangerous drivers’, survey claims
Drivers who ‘tailgate’ other vehicles and those who use handheld phones while driving are the most dangerous threats on the road, according to a new survey. Research conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) found that half of the drivers surveyed regarded these two activities as “highly dangerous”.
24 August 2006
Mobiles 'more precious' than passports
Britons value their iPods, jewellery and mobile phones more than their passports, new research has revealed.
Mobiles 'more precious' than passports
Britons value their iPods, jewellery and mobile phones more than their passports, new research has revealed.
04 October 2005
‘Small minority’ of drivers still using mobiles
A small minority of drivers are continuing to use hand-held mobile phones while driving, the latest government figures have revealed. According to research conducted by the Department for Transport, 1.5% of car drivers and 2.4% of lorry and van drivers were spotted using hand-held phones while on the road.
‘Small minority’ of drivers still using mobiles
A small minority of drivers are continuing to use hand-held mobile phones while driving, the latest government figures have revealed. According to research conducted by the Department for Transport, 1.5% of car drivers and 2.4% of lorry and van drivers were spotted using hand-held phones while on the road.
24 September 2015
National Campaign Launched To Tackle Drivers Using Mobile Phones
A national crackdown on drivers using mobile phones will run between 24 – 30 September in an effort to improve safety and on the roads. During the operation police will use both marked and unmarked vehicles to catch motorists illegally using their mobiles to make calls or text or browse the internet while they are driving.
National Campaign Launched To Tackle Drivers Using Mobile Phones
A national crackdown on drivers using mobile phones will run between 24 – 30 September in an effort to improve safety and on the roads. During the operation police will use both marked and unmarked vehicles to catch motorists illegally using their mobiles to make calls or text or browse the internet while they are driving.
-
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.
