[visordown.com] - One in 14 drivers admit taking selfies at the wheel

[Ninjette Newsbot]

UP TO 7% of drivers have admitted to taking pictures of themselves whilst driving, a survey revealed today.

It shows drivers aged between 18 and 24 are the ‘worst culprits’ and more than twice as likely to connect to social media sites at the wheel.

Almost 9% admit to using the photo messaging app Snapchat whilst driving, compared to 4% of drivers across all age ranges.

The data was released by Confused.com, who commissioned 2,000 drivers to partake in the survey.

The price comparison website revealed that in a recent 30 day period, 287 tweets were tagged with #drivingselfie and #drivingselfies on Twitter.

The word ‘selfie’ is defined as ‘a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.’

Road safety charities Brake and the IAM have criticised the practice, with Laura woods, Brake’s research and information officer saying: ‘This is a case of selfie selfishness. Using a phone in any way at the wheel dramatically increases the risk of crashing and killing or seriously injuring someone.

‘‘It is very worrying to see the numbers of drivers engaging in this dangerous behaviour, particularly younger drivers who are already at higher risk of crashing due to their age and inexperience.’

Neil Greig, IAM’s director of policy and research said: 'This seems to be another form of peer pressure to take part in the latest trend.

‘The best way to avoid it is to give young people the skills to stand up for themselves and not follow the herd and post silly photographs online.

‘The IAM want to see more traffic police out there catching bad drivers but this survey would seem to suggest not even that will stop those addicted to using their smartphones.’

Research has shown 36% of drivers use their mobiles phones at the wheel, despite fines for the offence increasing from £60 to £100 in August last year.

And despite so many flouting the law, only 8% say they have actually been caught by police using their phone behind the wheel. And, of those who have been caught, 57% admit to continuing to use their phone while driving after their brush with the law

Gemma Stanbury, head of car insurance at Confused.com said: ‘We’re aware that social media and photo sharing sites do not actively encourage users to take photos or post updates when driving, so the responsibility sits with the individual not to do so when behind the wheel,’





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