Drivers routinely flouting mobile phone law
More than half of 25-34 year olds read or write text messages while driving, claims new research.
The survey by Brake, the road safety charity, and Direct Line reveals that drivers in younger age groups are taking huge risks behind the wheel.
Motorists aged 18-35 are most likely to text or use apps while driving with more than half (55%) admitting that they had sent or read a text message on their mobile, while driving, in the last year.
Almost half (49%) “sometimes” go online or use apps (other than sat nav apps) while behind the wheel, while a third of drivers in the same 18-35 age group said they do it at least several times a week.
Despite it being illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone at all while driving, one in five young drivers (18-24) confirmed they regularly text and/or instant message when they are behind the wheel.
Brake says reading and writing messages – whether texting, emailing or using apps or social networks – while driving is even more distracting than talking on a phone, as it takes your mind, hands and eyes off the road.
Texting drivers’ reaction times are 35% slower and they also have poor lane control.
A recent large-scale study found texting drivers were 23 times more likely to crash than a driver paying full attention.
“Younger drivers, especially those aged between 25 and 34, simply aren’t getting the message about the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving,” said Alice Bailey of Brake.
“Doing any other complex task while driving hugely increases your chance of crashing.
“We’ve seen recent examples of drivers who have crashed while trying to play games like Pokémon Go or posting Snapchat images while behind the wheel.
“These drivers are putting their own and other people’s lives in grave danger by taking this risk.
“If a phone has to be used as a sat nav, it must be programmed before setting off on the journey and properly secured. There is no other acceptable way to use a phone while driving.”
Rob Miles of Direct Line added: “Reading a text message is not a matter of life and death but taking your eyes off the road could well be.
“It’s simple – wait until your journey is finished or you are safely parked somewhere before you use your phone.”