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26 Feb 2010 00:00
Three Years On – Mobile Users still aren’t Obeying the Law?
Three years on from the introduction of tough new laws for using a mobile phone whilst driving, * a staggering number of drivers are still flouting the law and putting other motorists in danger by using the mobile phone not just for making and receiving calls, but for texting, calling up the Internet and even checking messages on Facebook and Twitter.
The figures** are far greater than previously shown and reveal Government campaigns to persuade motorists to use hands free or stay off the phone are being ignored.
Almost a third of drivers 31% admit to taking a phone call and over one in five (22%), have made a phone call. Men are the worst culprits (25% males compared to 20% of females).
However the figures could be as high as over a half. 52% of adults have been a passenger of a car when the driver has made or received a phone call.
Over a quarter of motorists 28% confessed to reading a text while at the wheel and 18% had sent a text. Women (17%) are almost as big a culprit here as men (18%).
Changing tracks on the increasingly popular MP3 player, which is also illegal, was admitted by 15% of drivers.
The online survey highlights that the lure of social networking while driving was a temptation too far for 5% who either read a post on Facebook, Twitter or another social site. 2% admitted posting on Facebook or sending an email. Another 3 per cent read their emails while still in charge of a car. 2% said they had used the internet whilst driving to check traffic reports and find directions. Some tied to justify in car Internet usage by claiming they only did it when in stationary traffic or at traffic lights, though this is still illegal.
Halfords In Car Technology expert, Clare Pritchard said: “It seems there is still some way to go to ensure drivers use mobile phones legally and drive with due care and attention. The only way to do this is by installing a hands-free device in your car. Whilst it is always better to pull into a safe place and stop the car before using the phone, hands-free means drivers can have the reassurance of a mobile phone whilst on the move.
Halfords offers a range of hands-free legal solutions such as the basic headsets, visor speakers and fully fitted kits that can even read your text messages out for you. If drivers are uncertain on what the best solution is for them, Halfords trained specialists offer professional advice and fitting in store."
Notes to Editors:
Notes To Editors:
*27th February 2007, the law was updated and the penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving has increase to £60 and three penalty points added to the drivers' license.
** Halfords Research conducted by YouGov PLC. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2100 adults of which 1838 have driven a car in the UK. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8th - 10th February 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
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