Using a mobile phone while driving has been illegal for over two years, but a survey by online car insurance specialists elephant.co.uk, shows that many motorists still use their mobile phones while they’re at the wheel.
According to elephant.co.uk’s research, 37% of drivers have used their mobile phone while driving since it was banned in December 2003. Drivers breaking the law risk fines of £30, or of up to £1,000 if the matter goes to court. Drivers still risk prosecution if they use a hands-free kit when driving, for failure to have proper control of their vehicle. These penalties are much stiffer for drivers of buses, coaches, vans and lorries, who face a possible fine of up to £2,500.
Although it has not come into force as yet, the Government is expected to introduce penalty points on the licenses of people caught driving whilst chatting on the phone. Based on our figures, the 37% of our customers who use their mobile phone whilst driving could expect to see their insurance premiums rise if they are caught and have points added to their license.
elephant.co.uk’s research shows that motorists in Northern Ireland are most likely to use their mobile phone whilst driving, with 57% admitting that they have used their phone since the ban. Motorists in North Yorkshire are the most law abiding, as only 27% of people said they had ignored the mobile phone ban. 40% of men have illegally used their phone while driving, compared with 34% of women.
Perhaps surprisingly, then, 90% of the people asked agreed with the ban on drivers using their mobile phones at the wheel, with a total of 4% of people having reported someone for using their phone while driving.
elephant.co.uk Managing Director, Ceri Assiratti, said: “We would encourage our policy holders to switch their phones off completely when they’re in the car on their own, then there will be no temptation to use the phone at all. The bottom line is that using a mobile phone will make any driver much less aware of what’s happening on the road around them.“
Since it has been banned, have you used your mobile phone while driving?
|
Females |
Males |
Overall |
Yes |
33.8% |
39.7% |
36.5% |
No |
66.2% |
60.3% |
63.5% |
|
East
Anglia |
East
Midlands |
London |
North
East |
Northern Ireland |
North
West |
Yes |
34.5% |
35.8% |
31.7% |
42.0% |
56.5% |
34.4% |
No |
65.5% |
64.2% |
68.3% |
58.0% |
43.5% |
65.6% |
|
|
Scotland |
South
East |
South
West |
Wales |
West
Midlands |
Yorkshire |
Yes |
36.3% |
35.7% |
36.5% |
45.8% |
39.7% |
26.5% |
No |
63.7% |
64.3% |
63.5% |
54.2% |
60.3% |
73.5% |
Do you agree with the ban on motorists using their mobile phone while driving?
|
Females |
Males |
Overall |
Yes |
90.5% |
87.0% |
88.9% |
No |
9.5% |
12.9% |
11.1% |
Issue date: 17-05-06 |
