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

[Ninjette Newsbot]

ALMOST half a million people used a phone behind the wheel last year, according to a new study.

In research by the Transport Research Laboratory, 1.1% of drivers in England and Scotland were seen holding a phone in their hand and further 0.5% with one at their ear, equating to more than 470,000 motorists in 2014.

In stationary traffic, 2.3% of drivers were using a phone.

Van drivers were more likely to be on the phone than other vehicle users, at 2.7%, while 17-29-year-olds were the worst-offending age group, at 5.2%.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said only more visible policing would tackle the problem.

He said: 'The results are very disappointing but not at all surprising.

'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.'

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