40% reduction in mobile phone use

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

40% fall in in-car mobile phone use
Only 1% of car drivers now using mobile phones
Compares with 1.7% last year

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The number of drivers using mobile phones at the wheel has fallen by 40%, according to the Government.

The Transport Research Laboratory's report for the Department for Transport shows that 1% of drivers are using a hand-held phone while driving, compared with 1.7% last year.

The number of drivers using hands-free mobile phones also fell, from 0.9% to 0.4%, suggesting that the message about any kind of mobile phone being distracting when driving is getting through.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving was made illegal in Secember 2003, but the penalty for doing so increased from £30 to £60 and three points on your driving licence in February last year.

The Government's research contradict's a What Car? survey in February this year, which showed that 46% of drivers use their mobile phones when driving.

Drivers who still use a phone risk more severe prosecution if the police think they were not in proper control of their vehicle. If the case goes to court, the driver risks, three points, disqualification and a maximum fine of £1000 (£2500 for commercial drivers).

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: 'Using any mobile phone when driving is distracting - it stops you giving the road your full attention and slows reaction times. Research shows it can make a crash four times more likely, so it's vital that motorists do not use their phones while driving'.