Drivers admit in-car mobile use

26 February 2010

Many Britons are still using mobile phones while driving, despite tougher legislation introduced three years ago to stop the dangerous practice, a new survey has shown.

A YouGov survey for car parts firm Halfords found that illegal in-car use of hands-held mobiles included making and receiving calls, texting, accessing the web and online social networking.

Of more than 2,100 motorists polled, 31% said they had taken a call while driving, while 22% admitted to making one.

Also 28% of drivers said they had read an SMS while at the wheel and 18% confessed to sending a text.

Around 5% of those polled were distracted reading updates on Facebook, Twitter and other such websites, while 2% got on the internet to check traffic reports or find directions.

The study also found that 2% had even posted updates on social networking sites or sent an email from behind the wheel.

Some of the respondents claimed they used mobile phones inside a car only when it was stationary in a jam or at traffic lights, without being aware it was still illegal.

Copyright © Press Association 2010