Phone use worse than drink-driving
21 September 2007
- Using a phone quadruples crash chances
- Reactions 30% worse than drink-driver's
- Stats true even if using a hands-free device
Talking on a hands-free mobile phone while driving can be more dangerous than drink-driving, according to new research.
Studies by several bodies across the world, including the UK's Transport Research Laboratory, have concluded that motorists using mobile phones are four times more likely to crash.
In addition, the average reaction time of someone talking on a mobile phone while driving is 30% slower than someone on the drink-drive limit of 80mlg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.
This applies to people talking - legally - on hands-free mobile devices as well, because it is a measure of concentration, not control of the vehicle.
Use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal and is punishable with a £60 fine and three penalty points.
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