Mobile phone offenders are ‘four times more likely to crash’
New found research presented by the AA has suggested that many motorists, particularly younger drivers, believe it is acceptable to read or compose text messages while driving a car.
Even though most drivers admit that it is acceptable to read and compose a text message while their car is parked with the engine off, which is legal, close to half also believe that it is acceptable to do so if the car is pulled over with the engine running.
What is concerning is the fact that 28 per cent of all drivers say that texting or messaging is acceptable if stuck in a traffic queue. Out of those drivers 41 percent are aged between 18 and 34.
According to an AA-Populus survey, while 11 per cent say they would use a hand-held device while waiting at traffic lights, young drivers are the ones who are more likely to do so.
Furtermore, 16 percent of young drivers aged 18-24 say that it is acceptable to send or receive messages while driving in slow moving traffic.
Young drivers who claim to be more likely to use hand-held devices while driving, must retake their driving test if they gain six penalty points within two years of having received their full driving licence.
Insurance companies take mobile phone offences very seriously, with on average of a 26 per cent increase on premiums or, in worst case scenarios, possible withdrawal of cover from offenders. That compares with an average 12 per cent premium increase for speeding offences.
by law, it is an offence if using a handheld phone, unless the car is safely parked with the engine switched off. Using a phone when your engine is switched on brings a fixed penalty or £100 and three endorsement points, which is the same as a speeding offence.
However, depending on the assets, the offence could be increased to careless or even dangerous driving, which risks disqualification and a fine, as well as making it harder afterwards to find an insurer willing to offer cover.
Managing director of AA Insurance, Janet Connor, stated that drivers using a handheld mobile device are at four times greater risk of being involved in a crash.
She said: “These findings are shocking. Unlike speeding, it usually requires the use of a phone to be seen by the police officer, so many drivers think they can get away with it. It’s vital that there are more traffic police to catch offenders.”
Connor adds: “This deliberate act diverts attention from driving, significantly heightening the risk of a crash. If that happens, police officers will check the phone’s records to see whether a message or call was taking place that the time.”
Connor believes that drivers may unintentionally exceed the speed limit, however no one sends a text message by mistake.
“Those who flout the law are more likely to make a claim, and their insurance premium rightly reflects that risk,” Connor concluded.
