Stats show drivers’ ignorance on the new mobile law

On 1st December 2003, driving whilst using a hand held mobile phone was made illegal. However, despite the new law, a survey carried out by leading insurance broker InsureYourMotor.com found that the majority of UK motorists are either completely unaware of the new legislation or are choosing to ignore it. The survey found that: • 40% of all drivers are still unaware of the new legislation. • 61 % of correspondents do not currently use any form of hands free solution with their mobile. • 47% of people who admitted to using a hand-held mobile whilst driving did not feel they were still able to drive with due care and attention yet still continued to do so. • 17% of people questioned who did know about the new law still admitted to using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving. • A quarter of respondents who DID know about the legislation said it would NOT stop them from using a hand-held mobile whilst driving. • 20-29 year-olds are the most likely to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving (31%) • 39% of new drivers aged 17-19 are still unaware of the new legislation • Drivers who are aware of the legislation are still confused over what hands-free options are legal. The research suggests that the Government has failed to educate the public successfully, which could see them incurring fines and points. Young drivers are most at risk with 31% of 17-19 year olds and 50% of 20-29 year olds being the most likely group to drive while using a hand held mobile. Yet only 39% of 17-19 year olds and 50% of 20-29 year old are aware of the new law. However, there are times when a mobile phone is essential on the road in some professions At least 12% of the drivers questioned are required to use their phone whilst driving for work purposes. However, 62% of these people are not provided with hands-free kits from their employers. This highlights a need for employers to act more responsibly, giving relevant staff hands-free kits for their mobiles and also help to educate them by defining a corporate policy for the use of mobile phones in the car. David Harlow, MD of InsureYourMotor.com comments, “I agree completely with the change in law regarding the use of hand-held mobiles whilst driving and the figures from our survey show an alarming ignorance amongst drivers. As insurers it is bitterly disappointing to find out that drivers are being so irresponsible. The law was not enforced to make life more difficult, it was derived as a result of the amount of serious accidents and fatalities on the roads caused by drivers who feel a chit chat with their mates is more important than the safety of themselves and other road users.” David continues, “It’s frightening to think what potential disasters lie out there when people are being this irresponsible. I think the introduction of the mobile phone law has opened floodgates to further the awareness of driving safety as a whole and the sooner people learn that their behaviour is unacceptable, the sooner everybody will be safer on the roads.”