Thursday 21 December 2000
With tougher penalties being proposed by the Home Office to clamp down on dangerous drivers, recent research from Direct Line has shown that a third of drivers continue to take the risk of using a hand-held phone whilst driving.*
The survey conducted by Direct Line Rescue, the UK's fastest growing breakdown service, reveals that an alarming number of motorists fail to take full control of their vehicles when on the road, with a wide range of bad driving habits that threaten road safety. The law** says that drivers must have full control of their vehicles at all times, however, the research provides evidence to the contrary.
Nick Cole, business manager for Direct Line Rescue said
"The report shows younger people are more likely to eat, smoke, read, put on make-up or talk into a mobile phone whilst driving. Over half (52%) of 17-24 year olds admit to talking into a mobile phone when on the move, this figure falls to 14% of those aged 55-64, and only 4% of those aged 65 plus."
Current legislation does not outlaw the use of mobile phones, although the Highway Code prefers drivers to pull over before making any calls.
Nick Cole continues:
"Drivers doing anything that takes their attention from the road should be aware that they also run the risk of being convicted of dangerous driving. Under current law this can result in a two year prison scentence, an unlimited fine, one year disqualification from driving and an extended re-test."
Greater London is the worst region for drivers talking into hand-held mobile phones when driving (45%), whilst the Welsh top the smoking league (40%). Yorkshire and Humberside is the top region for applying make-up whilst driving! Seven per cent admit to taking their eyes off the road to apply a touch of lipstick or mascara.
Nick Cole concludes:
"Driving requires the greatest concentration at all times, and secondary activities, including use of mobile phones, eating, drinking, or reading maps or directions are potentially lethal. Direct Line welcomes the Home Office's review of current penalties. We advise drivers to keep their hand on the wheel and pull over if they need to do anything that might detract from total concentration."
Notes
- *Using a mobile phone whilst driving carries the potential to be fined up to £2,500 or 9 points on your licence.
- **Regulation 104 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986
- Statistics are from the second Direct Line Motoring Report (May 2000), which looks at other key issues such as public transport, personal safety and parking. The first report (September 1999) included buying in Europe, road violence, and knowledge of the Highway Code
Technical details
Survey conducted by MORI Financial Services on behalf of Direct Line Group. Interviews conducted among 2,000 adults aged 17 and over, who are Driving Licence holders