Drivers admit to using mobile phone behind the wheel

By Tom Farley, Thu 16 Feb 2012 - Published in Car Insurance

Almost half of drivers have used their mobile phones illegally behind the wheel, according to research by Halfords.

With over 200,000 people fined for using their mobile while driving last year, a report from the retailer found that the number of people actually committing such offences could be much higher, with one in four drivers confessing to doing so at least once a month, reports the Press Association.

It is not just taking calls while at the wheel that drivers admit to, with significant numbers browsing the web using sites such as Facebook and texting while on the road.

Police data shows that more than 171,000 fixed penalty notices were issued in the year up to October for using mobile phones while driving, while a further 35,000 people were fined by magistrates.

Using a mobile phone behind the wheel is punishable by a Ł60 fine and three points on the driver's licence, which could impact on people's car insurance premiums.

Research shows that reaction speeds are up to 50 per cent slower when using a mobile and drivers are four times more likely to crash.

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