Illegal use of mobile phones reaching ‘epidemic’ levels, RAC says

11M drivers have made or received a call while driving in the last 12 months and 5M have taken photos

Illegal use of mobile phones reaching ‘epidemic’ levels, RAC says
Snap, chat, text, tweet – anything goes at the wheel as motorists relax attitudes. Image: Bigstock.

The proportion of people who take a quick call on a mobile phone has doubled from 7 per cent in 2014 to 14 per cent in 2016 and the percentage of drivers who feel it is safe to check social media on their phone when in stationary traffic, either at traffic lights or in congestion, has increased from 14 per cent in 2014 to 20 per cent in 2016.

The research for the RAC Report on Motoring 2016 also revealed that the percentage of drivers who said it was not acceptable to take a quick call at the wheel has correspondingly fallen from 84 per cent in 2014 to 78 per cent today.

A shocking 14 per cent said they had taken a photo or video with their phone while driving and 22 per cent admitted they have done so when in stationary traffic.

The percentages rocket for younger drivers with 36 per cent aged 17 to 24 admitting to taking photos or videos when driving.

Responding to why they had used a handheld mobile phone while driving, 23 per cent said that it was in an emergency, 21 per cent said that they had ‘needed information for their journey’.

Bad habit

However, 12 per cent admitted they were simply in the habit of doing so, 8 per cent said it was because ‘everyone else does it’, and 7 per cent said it was because they knew they could get away with it.

RAC road safety spokesman, Pete Williams said: “The Government’s swift action to the findings in the RAC Report on Motoring shows they understand just how dangerous it can be to use a handheld mobile phone at the wheel.

“Increasing the fine from £100 to £200 and doubling the penalty points from three to six will help to deter people from doing it in the first place.

“However, it is just as important that laws are seen to be enforced, and the decline in the numbers of dedicated road traffic police has only heightened the feeling that those who use a handheld phone while driving simply get away with it.

“While the new penalties are not due to come into force until the first half of 2017 we hope we will see an immediate change in driver behaviour and an end to anyone using a handheld mobile phone while driving.

“It is time for a cultural shift to make the use of a handheld mobile phone as socially unacceptable as drink diving.”

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