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Motorists are continuing to use their mobile phones while in control of a vehicle, according to new research by the RAC.
The survey found that 64% of motorists surveyed said that in one hour of driving they saw at least one driver committing the offence. Of these, 6% claimed they saw between five and seven drivers breaking the law, whereas 36% witnessed one or two. Only 26% of motorists surveyed said they did not see anyone using their phone.
As many as 95% of drivers say they regularly see motorists using their phones while in stationary traffic. Around 16% of motorists questioned said on every journey they make they see others looking down as if they are interacting with their phones while stopped at traffic lights. The remaining 84% (of the 95%) who said they see this, do so less frequently.
In age terms, almost a third of those surveyed (31%) say they see drivers of all ages committing the offence, but unsurprisingly the problem appears to be most prevalent in those under the age of 40, with 50% claiming they most frequently see drivers of this age group on their phones, either in a moving or stationary vehicle.
“Thirteen years after the introduction of the current law forbidding use of a handheld phone at the wheel of a vehicle, this behaviour is far from being stamped out,” commented RAC spokesman Simon William. “In fact, the results of our research suggests the problem has got worse rather than better.”
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