by David Bates
Beware the driving selfie warns new study
Drivers and caravan users across the UK should be wary of “driving selfies”, according to new research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
The latest study reveals shocking levels of smartphone use on Britain’s roads; nine per cent of the 500 drivers admitted to taking a selfie on the road in the past month. Amongst under 35s, this figure reaches 17 per cent, whilst men are twice as likely to dabble in onboard photography as women. One motorcyclist posted a picture to instagram, helmet and all, with the caption “#imcominghome”.
IAM’s Mark Lewis has urged prudence, saying: “What will surprise people is the fact that it’s as dangerous as being over the limit for drink or drug driving. It has the same effect on your capability to drive”.
It isn’t just selfies which are endangering Britain’s drivers. The study also found eight per cent of drivers had made video calls, seven per cent watched video and TV programmes on their phone or tablet, and 18 per cent had been online.
Shaun Helman, Head of Transport Psychology at the Transport Research Laboratory, explained to Sky News: “Smartphones have not been around very long, mobile phones a bit longer so it’s not really become a socially unacceptable thing to do yet, and I think that’s going to take some time to change.”
Sarah Sillers, of IAM, wants smartphone-use to become as stigmatized, socially unacceptable and legally punishable as drink-driving. The number of penalty points given for smartphone offences fell in 2014, thought to be linked to fewer patrols and reduced policing budgets, rather than fewer incidents.
