It seems even after all the warnings that almost half of us British motorists are still breaking the law by texting while driving - this infact increases the risk of crashing by 400%
An online survey conducted by the RAC foundation revealved that 45% of UK drivers send and receive messages on their mobile while they are driving - the survey marks the first anniversary of the increase in penalties for using a hand-held phone at the wheel. Motorists risk a fine of £60 and three penatly points on their licence for using their mobile phones, including texting and receiving whilst driving, and if they have a crash they may be prosecuted under careless and dangerous driving laws, which can even include imprisonment.
In effect police even warn that fleet mangers should introduce a ban on using hands-free phones for all employees who drive for work as they feel that even this method causes a distraction to the driver, leading to an increase risk of a collision.
The survey identified five distinct groups of texting drivers:
- those that read and send texts in free flowing traffic, which accounts for 21% of law-breaking drivers;
- drivers who read and/or send text messages when they are stuck in a jam - which is still illegal but still practised regularly by 19% of offenders;
- those who leave their phone audible and risk being distracted by text alerts (44%);
- those who admit to reading their texts in moving traffic, but would not consider responding or sending messages whilst driving (5%);
- and the 11% of drivers who responsibly switch off their phones or put them on mute to avoid distractions
Scary results, which can only suggest that urgent action is needed especially as those who have grown up in the new age technology and mobile generation begin to hit the road
Comments