- Three in 10 motorists send text messages while driving
- Men are four times more likely to be pulled over for using mobile phones while driving than women
- Motorists say use of mobile phones while driving is as dangerous as speeding
- Drivers admit ordering takeaways, online dating and online shopping on their phones while driving
Half of motorists see their fellow drivers using mobile phones at the wheel every day, according to new research by LV= car insurance.
The research shows half (48%) of all UK motorists see another driver operating a mobile phone at least once a day – with one in four (24%) saying they see other drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel twice a day or more. Worryingly, three in 10 motorists (29%) admit to sending texts while driving while half (50%) of all motorists admit to reading a text when on the road.
That is despite motorists naming the use of mobile phones while driving alongside speeding as the third most dangerous driving practice, behind only drink-driving (59%) and driving under the influence of drugs (19%).
The most common reasons for drivers to use their mobile phone while driving are reading a text message (50%), answering a phone call (not hands-free) (48%) and checking a map or satnav phone app (32%), separate research by LV= car insurance found. However, some drivers take their phone out for more obscure reasons, including ordering a takeaway (3%), looking at an online dating site or app (3%), or shopping online (3%).
John O’Roarke, Managing Director of LV= car insurance, said: “Although it can be tempting to quickly check your mobile, it is essential that drivers keep their eyes on the road at all times. There can be enough surprises without the additional distraction of a mobile phone, and drivers need to be ready to react, to help improve safety for themselves and other drivers.â€
