1 in 6 Motorists STILL Using Mobile Phone While Driving

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

1 in 6 Motorists STILL Using Mobile Phone While Driving

1 in 6 Motorists STILL Using Mobile Phone While Driving
Outline of the Article

1. Introduction
   • Brief overview of the issue: 1 in 6 motorists still using mobile phones while driving.
   • Importance of addressing this behavior despite stricter laws.
2. Understanding the Risks of Using Mobile Phones While Driving
   • Distracted driving statistics.
   • How using a phone behind the wheel impacts reaction times and attention.
3. The Tougher Penalties: What Changed in 2017?
   • Overview of the law introduced in 2017.
   • The introduction of a £200 fine and six penalty points.
   • Impact of these penalties on new drivers.
4. Survey Insights: Who’s Still Using Their Phone While Driving?
   • Key findings from Swinton Insurance’s survey.
   • Breakdown of the types of phone usage while driving (sat nav, calls, music, texting).
   • Reasons why some drivers continue to use their phones.
5. Why Do Motorists Still Use Their Phones?
   • Impatience and convenience.
   • Addiction to mobile devices.
   • Lack of awareness about penalties.
6. Impact on Safety: The Danger of Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
   • Increased likelihood of accidents.
   • Real-world statistics on crashes caused by distracted driving.
   • Case studies or examples.
7. How the 2017 Legislation Has Helped – A Mixed Impact
   • Positive effects of the tougher penalties on reducing phone usage.
   • How public awareness campaigns are helping.
   • Government statistics on mobile phone use while driving.
8. What About The Fear of Accident?
   • The role fear plays in discouraging mobile phone use.
   • Insights from the survey about drivers who fear accidents more than fines.
9. The Role of Education and Public Awareness Campaigns
   • Effectiveness of campaigns like “Think! Road Safety”.
   • What more can be done to reduce distracted driving?
   • Importance of driver education.
10. How Technology Can Help Drivers Stay Safe
    • Hands-free options and voice-activated controls.
    • Car technology that helps reduce distractions.
    • Apps that block texting or phone calls while driving.
11. Alternatives to Using Your Mobile Phone While Driving
    • How to plan trips without using your phone.
    • The importance of preparing your phone before setting off.
    • Using alternatives like in-car navigation systems.
12. Global Perspective: How Other Countries Tackle the Issue
    • How mobile phone use while driving is regulated in other countries.
    • Success stories from countries with stricter laws.
13. The Role of Insurance Companies in Reducing Distracted Driving
    • How insurance companies are working to address distracted driving.
    • Swinton Insurance’s role in educating motorists.
14. Conclusion
    • Recap of the main points discussed.
    • Call to action: The need for continued awareness and adherence to the law.
15. FAQs
    • Frequently asked questions about mobile phone use while driving and penalties.

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1 in 6 Motorists STILL Using Mobile Phone While Driving: The Dangerous Habit That Won’t Go Away

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Introduction

It’s the one thing we all know we shouldn’t do, yet millions of drivers still ignore the rules. Despite tougher penalties being introduced just two years ago, 1 in 6 motorists continue to use their mobile phones while driving. From answering calls to texting, checking social media, or using navigation apps, the temptation to pick up the phone behind the wheel remains incredibly strong.

This behavior isn’t just dangerous—it can have serious consequences, not only for drivers’ safety but for their driving records as well. So, why are so many still risking it all despite the tougher laws and the growing awareness of the dangers?

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Understanding the Risks of Using Mobile Phones While Driving

There’s no doubt about it—using a mobile phone while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes, and mobile phones are the primary culprit. Studies have shown that using a mobile device while driving can delay reaction times by up to 50%. A driver who is texting or checking a message could be up to five times more likely to be involved in a crash.

Even when drivers believe they are only taking a quick glance at their phones, the distractions can be deadly. Reaction times are delayed, attention is diverted, and hazards that a fully focused driver would have easily seen are missed. That’s why the consequences of using a phone while driving are so serious—it can cost lives.

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The Tougher Penalties: What Changed in 2017?

In 2017, the UK government introduced much tougher penalties for drivers caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel. Prior to these changes, offenders faced a £100 fine and 3 penalty points. However, the law was updated to include a £200 fine and six penalty points for the same offense. For newly qualified drivers, this could result in losing their driving license altogether, forcing them to retake their driving test.

This tougher approach was aimed at reducing the growing number of accidents caused by distracted driving and increasing awareness of the dangers of mobile phone use on the road. But did it work?

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Survey Insights: Who’s Still Using Their Phone While Driving?

A recent survey by Swinton Insurance found that despite the harsher penalties, 16% of motorists still use their phones while driving. But what exactly are they doing? According to the survey:

• Half of those who admitted using their phones were using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze.
• A third were answering calls or responding to text messages.
• Another third were accessing music apps or social media platforms.
• And just under a quarter said they were too impatient to wait until they reached their destination to use their phones.

These figures are concerning, especially when you consider the serious risks associated with these distractions. It’s clear that some drivers still haven’t gotten the message.

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Why Do Motorists Still Use Their Phones?

Even with the knowledge that using a phone while driving is dangerous and illegal, many drivers still choose to pick up their devices. So, why does this happen?

• Impatience and Convenience: Many drivers find it easier to grab their phone rather than wait until they’re safely parked. They may need directions, want to reply to a text, or feel like they can multitask.
• Addiction to Mobile Devices: For some, their phones are almost an extension of themselves. The need to stay connected, check notifications, or stay on top of social media can outweigh the risks.
• Lack of Awareness: Surprisingly, some motorists are simply unaware of the penalties they face or think they won’t get caught. Others may not fully appreciate the dangers involved in distracted driving.

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Impact on Safety: The Danger of Using a Mobile Phone While Driving

The dangers of using a mobile phone while driving are well-documented. Not only does it increase the likelihood of accidents, but it also makes crashes more severe. Drivers who are texting or browsing social media have a much higher risk of being involved in a collision because they aren’t paying attention to the road.

In 2017, the government’s “Seatbelt and Mobile Phone Use Surveys” revealed that 1.1% of drivers were observed using a hand-held mobile phone while driving on weekdays, down from 1.6% in 2014. While this indicates a slight improvement, it still highlights the ongoing issue of mobile phone use behind the wheel.

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How the 2017 Legislation Has Helped – A Mixed Impact

Although the law introduced in 2017 significantly raised fines and penalties, the impact has been mixed. According to the Swinton Insurance survey, over half of respondents said they now use their phones less while driving. Additionally, 59% admitted that the threat of six penalty points has acted as a deterrent.

However, while many drivers acknowledge the danger, some are still unwilling to change their habits. The reality is that the fear of penalties doesn’t always outweigh the desire for convenience. But there is hope—awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement are starting to make a difference.

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What About The Fear of Accident?

While penalties are a significant deterrent for many, the fear of causing an accident seems to be an even stronger motivator for some drivers. In fact, a large portion of respondents in the Swinton survey indicated that the potential for an accident was a more significant deterrent than fines or penalty points. This suggests that when drivers truly recognize the risks, they are more likely to change their behavior.

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The Role of Education and Public Awareness Campaigns

Education is key when it comes to reducing mobile phone use while driving. Government campaigns like “Think! Road Safety” have played an important role in raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. These campaigns aim to change driver behavior by making people realize the consequences of using a phone on the road.

More can be done, however, to ensure drivers fully understand the risks involved. Schools, driving instructors, and even employers can all play a role in promoting safer driving habits.

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How Technology Can Help Drivers Stay Safe

In today’s world, technology is both a blessing and a curse. While mobile phones are a major distraction, they can also be part of the solution. Hands-free devices, voice-activated controls, and in-car navigation systems allow drivers to use their phones safely, without taking their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.

For example, many smartphones now have “Do Not Disturb While Driving” modes, which block incoming texts and calls when a vehicle is in motion. Apps like “DriveMode” or “SafeDrive” can also block notifications and limit phone usage while driving.

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Alternatives to Using Your Mobile Phone While Driving

The best way to avoid the temptation of using your phone is to prepare ahead of time. Here are a few alternatives:

• Plan your route before setting off: Use your phone to input directions before you start driving so you don’t need to touch it later.
• Use in-car navigation systems: Many modern cars come equipped with GPS systems, which can help guide you without the need for a phone.
• Set music or podcasts before driving: Choose your playlist or podcast before you start driving, so you aren’t fiddling with your phone while on the road.

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Global Perspective: How Other Countries Tackle the Issue

While the UK has made significant strides in tackling distracted driving, other countries have taken even stricter approaches. For instance, countries like Australia and Norway impose hefty fines and jail time for mobile phone use while driving. In Sweden, the law is particularly tough, with offenders facing immediate suspensions and hefty fines.

These global success stories show that stricter enforcement and education can make a real difference.

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The Role of Insurance Companies in Reducing Distracted Driving

Insurance companies, like Swinton Insurance, are increasingly stepping up to address distracted driving. Many companies are using their platforms to educate drivers about the dangers of using a phone while behind the wheel. Swinton’s survey, for example, is part of a larger effort to raise awareness and reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers.

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Conclusion

Despite the introduction of tougher penalties and increased public awareness, mobile phone use while driving remains a persistent issue. However, there is hope. Many drivers are using their phones less, and stricter enforcement and education can help make our roads safer. It’s crucial for all of us to take responsibility and avoid the temptation to use our phones while behind the wheel—our lives and the lives of others depend on it.

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FAQs

1. Can I use my phone at traffic lights?
No, the law applies even when you’re stopped at traffic lights. You can only use your phone when the engine is off, and you’re safely parked.

2. What happens if I get caught using my phone while driving?
You’ll face a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence. For new drivers, this could lead to a license suspension.

3. Are there any exceptions to the law?
Yes, you can use your phone in an emergency to call 999 or 112 if it’s unsafe to stop.

4. How can I prevent myself from using my phone while driving?
Use hands-free options, set your phone to “Do Not Disturb,” or use in-car navigation to avoid distractions.

5. How does the law differ for newly qualified drivers?
For new drivers, accumulating six penalty points means you could lose your licence and need to retake your driving test.