Nearly Fifty Per Cent Of Motorists Admit Mobile Phone Use

Book Theory Test Today examines research that reveals nearly half of UK motorists admit to using a mobile phone whilst driving.

New research data published by motoring charity Brake has revealed that close to fifty percent of drivers on Britain’s roads will use their mobile phone whilst driving, Book Theory Test Today understands. The data relates to both hand-held and hands-free devices.

It was over 10 years ago that a ban on using hand-held mobile phones whilst driving was enforced and, shortly afterwards, questions relating to mobile phone usage were added to a new version of the UK theory test.

However, despite the ban and attempts to educate motorists via the theory test, it would appear that the problem of mobile phone usage whilst at the wheel is rife according to the new research.

Approximately one in eight (13%) of drivers polled admit to breaking the law by having their phone in their hand whilst talking. This figure does represent a decrease compared with figures from 2006 when over a third (36%) admitted to the same offence.

The number of drivers using hands-free equipment has increased with close to four in 10 (38%) now using such equipment, compared with just one in five (22%) in 2006.

Book Theory Test Today says: “Although using a hands-free kit is legal a number of commentators suggest that making, or receiving, a phone call in this way is just as dangerous as using a hand-held device.”

Brake is one of those commentators and they emphasise that whether using a hand-held phone or hands-free kit it’s the distraction each method creates not necessarily the equipment being used to receive or make a call.

In a statement from Julie Townsend, Brake’s Chief Executive, she said: “It is appalling that, 10 years after the ban, one in eight drivers continues to flout the law and put lives in danger by using a hand-held mobile at the wheel. Just as worrying is the widespread belief that using a hands-free kit is a safe alternative. Don’t kid yourself, it’s not.”

Brake is campaigning for a total ban on the use of any phone whilst driving and justify the campaign by stating that the risk of being involved in an accident that causes injury increases by up to four times for motorists using a hand-held or hands-free phone. Reaction time is decreased by over 50% in comparison to normal driving circumstances.

Book Theory Test Today advises: “To avoid landing in trouble with law and the risk of being involved in an accident that could potentially cause serious injury or a fatality, put your phone out of sight, with the ringer off when you’re driving. That way you are not tempted to engage in conversation and be distracted whilst driving. Ideally you should store your phone in the boot.”

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2014 at 9:37 pm and is filed under Driving Safety, Road Safety. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.