More drivers using mobile phones at the wheel
Number of motorists using a phone behind the wheel is up from 2009 levels with most texting or on social media
Drivers spotted using a mobile phone while behind the wheel has risen by 14 per cent in the last five years despite measures to cut offending.
Checks at almost 100 sites in England and Scotland spotted 1.6 per cent of drivers using a mobile phone while driving – up from 1.4 per cent in 2009.
And motorists were more likely to be texting, surfing the web or checking social media apps than holding a phone to their ear, the Government research found.
Men were most likely to be seen clutching a phone while van drivers were the biggest culprits recorded by officials. Under-30s were the big offenders, too, more than double any other age group.
Harsher penalties have limited impact
Department of Transport (DfT) figures also revealed mobile phone usage fell after laws were introduced in 2004 before rising again until the £60 fine and three penalty points punishment was introduced in 2007.
Six years later, though, numbers were back to 2004 levels. An increase in the fine to £100 in 2013 hasn’t helped with figures continuing to rise.
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “In 2013 the use of a mobile at the wheel was a factor in 22 fatal accidents and this is likely to be underreporting of the true figure.
“The big concern is that with more and more technological and visual distractions in our lives and in our cars, the risks will increase. Research for us shows that texting whilst driving impairs reactions more than being at the drink drive limit.”
Despite the visual checks revealing an increase in offending, the number of motorists being caught has nearly halved from 35,255 in 2010 to 19,560 in 2013. One explanation is the reduced number of traffic officers on patrol.
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Neil Greig, director of policy and research for the Institute of Advanced Motorists says drivers just don’t believe they’ll be caught.
“Campaigns need to be revived and invigorated with stronger messages,” he said. “It must be a Government priority for 2015.
“People must have a fear of being caught as we believe this is the only viable deterrent but that needs an increase in visible policing. Mobile phone usage at the wheel can kill – there’s no two ways about it.”
Technology could detect mobile phone use in cars
One possible solution is the increased use of technology. Signs that can detect the use of a mobile phone in a vehicle are being rolled out in Norfolk. The Mobile Phone Detection System (MPDS) is a portable sign that identifies people using a phone in a vehicle whether they’re making a call or texting.
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A sensor monitors vehicles and sends information to the sign further along the road which then flashes when a mobile is detected. There's interest in this being used UK-wide if successful.
Mr Greig added: “Technology has caused this problem, so it should come up with a solution too. There are phones that have sensors within them, which detect the motion of a car, and can then immediately shut down calling and texting functions. This should be universal.
2% of drivers still not wearing a seatbelt
The Government research, carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory, also found almost two per cent of drivers in Scotland and England didn’t wear a seatbelt while driving. Around 10 per cent of rear passengers were spotted without one, too.
Prof Glaister said: “The study also shows a persistent minority of people still not wearing seat belts. The consequences can be lethal. A fifth of car occupants who died on Britain’s roads in 2013 had not belted up. It is particularly worrying that the proportion of children wearing belts has dropped as this could be a reflection of parental behaviour.”
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