[visordown.com] - Half a million drivers are on the phone

[Ninjette Newsbot]

A UK STUDY has revealed that at any one time, almost half a million motorists in England and Scotland are using their mobile phones behind in the wheel.

Figures from the study show that in 2014, 1.1% of drivers were observed holding a phone in their hand, with a further 0.5% observed holding the phone to their ear, equating to more than 470,000 motorists.

The data shows that men are more likely to use their hand-held phone than women, and that van drivers were the most likely group to be seen doing it, at 2.7%.

At 5.2%, young drivers aged 17 to 29 were the the worst offenders by age group.

The data, released this morning, also shows that drivers are more likely to use their hand-held phone in stationary traffic than in moving traffic.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: 'The results are very disappointing but not at all surprising.

'Campaigns run by THINK! and the Department for Transport need to be revived and invigorated with stronger messages for new drivers and van users. Mobile phone usage at the wheel can kill – there’s no two ways about it.

He added: 'Tackling mobile phone usage must be a government priority for 2015. People must have the fear of being caught increased as we believe this is the only viable deterrent, but that needs an increase in visible policing.'

Neil added that hands-free and Bluetooth devices were no better as an alternative.

'Taking a call is still a major distraction to the important task of driving.'

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