Despite the introduction of tougher penalties, new RAC research shows that people of certain age groups are using phones behind the wheel increasingly.
Across all age groups, 25% of drivers admitted to illegally making or receiving calls whilst driving, up from 24% during 2017. The report also states that there has been a significant rise in the amount of young working-age drivers admitting to using their phone illegally.
Nearly half (47%) of drivers between 25-34 admitted to making and receiving calls while driving. This rises to 57% when noting those who use their phone whilst stationary with their engine still running.
This is not too dissimilar to the next age group, with 39% of drivers aged between 35 – 44 admitting to making calls whilst on the move, rising to 54% when stationary.
More than a third of drivers (36%) in the younger bracket send texts, social media posts and emails while driving, 30% admit to taking photos/selfies/videos compared to just 16% of drivers in the remaining groups.
Among all groups, there has been an increase in people using phones whilst stationary, such as when at lights or sitting in traffic.
Tougher penalties were introduced to prevent the illegal use of mobile phones by drivers in March 2017. However, it looks like the impact of such laws is fading. RAC are voicing concerns following this survey in hopes to deter more people from driving dangerously.
At the moment drivers face six penalty points and a fine of £200 for using their mobiles.
(Image: RAC)
