British motorists are addicted to their smartphones with nearly 1 in 2 drivers admitting they will not begin their journey unless they can see their mobile phone from behind the wheel.
What’s more, almost a quarter of drivers in a recent survey admitted to checking their phone while driving at least every 15 minutes.
The survey was carried out by confused.com in order to find out how addicted Brits are to their smartphones. The results are overwhelming: nearly 40% of motorists admit to using their phone while driving, despite mobile phone use being banned.
This has led the insurer to coin a new phrase for such motorists: ‘social driviants’.
Naturally, the social media capabilities of new smartphones is playing a big part in mobile phone usage while driving. 27% of British motorists admit they log onto Facebook behind the wheel. 21% will update their status when stopped at a red traffic light.
15% of motorists also use time stuck in traffic to catch up on work phone calls and emails.
Such high levels of usage come despite 75% of motorists being fully aware of the £60 fine and three points on their licence that they’ll get if caught by the police.
Even more worrying is that so many people are using mobile phones while driving despite the clear dangers it presents: research has proven a driver using a hand-held mobile phone will take 10 metres longer to stop even than someone who has been drink-driving.
Reaction times of mobile phone users are 50% slower, and such drivers are four times more likely to crash.
Adrian Walsh, director of RoadSafe, said: ‘It’s a frightening thought that people are checking their smartphones whilst driving.
‘Many studies from across the world prove that drivers using phones are slower to respond than those who are just over the drink-drive limit. It is dangerous to use a phone – even hands free when driving.’
The survey did also reveal, however, that more than 50% of motorists support the idea of a tougher penalty if caught using a mobile behind the wheel.
