Although there have been huge awareness campaigns surrounding it, fines imposed for doing it and news stories about the fall out from it, there are still a large number of drivers using their mobile phones while they are operating a vehicle.
We know the risks and repercussions, but would you still do it?
Well a recent study, suggests that a large number of us do. A recent study of 14,00 motorists uncovered the fact that more people drove whilst using their mobile between 2008 and 2009 compared with the figure in 2006. Interestingly the fixed penalty was increased in 2007, from £30, and so the increase in usage suggests the increased fine hasn't acted as a deterrent, leading to many suggesting that the penalty should be increased.
Road safety campaigners in particular have called for the fine to be increased to £1,000 for using a handheld phone whilst driving.
Aside from the study, the use of hands-free mobiles by car drivers quadrupled from 1.2 per cent in 2006 to 4.8 per cent last year, which could either suggest more drivers are using these instead of holding their phones, or that more drivers overall are using their phones in the car.
Whatever the reason for these changes, and whatever the chances of getting caught, the real issue here is road safety and there is no two ways about it- using the phone whilst driving, whether you use hands free or not, disrupts concentration and could lead to an accident.
by Jessica O'Neal
ezinearticles.com
14 years ago
