Mobile Phones Creating A Safety Threat To UK Roads

Research by Confused.com reveals a new safety threat to UK roads…motorists and their not-so-smart phones

• Nearly 40% of drivers admit to using their phones whilstdriving
• Almost half of motorists ensure that they can see their phone when behind the wheel
• Over one fifth (23%) of UK drivers check their phones every 15 minutes or more
• Nearly half (45%) of car owners get agitated when they receive incoming calls or texts behind the wheel

Research released today reveals that UK drivers prioritise their social lives before saving lives on the road. Almost half 40% (38.95%) of motorists check their phones whilst driving, with 27% admitting to logging onto Facebook behind the wheel. The car insurance expert also found that nearly half (45%) will not start their journey unless they can see their phone. A lethal combination considering that drivers are four times more likely to crash when using a mobile phone.

The increasing popularity of Facebook and Twitter means that the ‘Twitch Factor' is on the rise, with one fifth of motorists not being able to last more than 15 minutes without checking their phones.  15% of workaholicmotorists take advantage of time stuck in traffic to catch up on their workcalls or emails, and over one fifth (21%) update their status whilst caughtbehind a red light.

Surprisingly, although 75% of motorists are aware of the penalty for being on their phone behind the wheel, 60% of them still answer their phone when they're driving. The ignorance of drivers suggests a harsher penalty should be introduced, with over 50% of motorists supporting this idea.
Adrian Walsh, Director of RoadSafe says:

"It's a frightening thought that people are checking their smartphones whilst driving. Many studies from across the world prove that drivers using phones are slower to respond than those who are just over the drink-drive limit.  It is dangerous to use a phone - even hands free when driving."

A recent study from the Texas A&M University (August 2011) has shown how much text based activities like Facebook and Twitter can effect driving reactions, with reaction times being more than doubled, and that motorists that were texting were actually 11 times more likely to miss an obstruction altogether.

Advice:

• Don't make or answer calls when driving
• Park safely before using your phone
• Don't call other people when they're driving
• It's illegal to use a hand-held mobile when driving even if stopped at traffic lights, stuck in a traffic jam or in a car park
• The maximum penalty for using a phone when driving is 3 points on your licence, and up to a £60 fine

Remember:

Drivers are 4 time more likely to crash if using a mobile phone while driving

Reaction times for drivers using a mobile phone are around 50% slower than if not using a mobile phone.

Drivers need an extra 10 metres to respond when using a hand-held phone compared to having drunk alcohol.