Dangers of using mobile phone while driving needs to be ‘hit home’ to learner drivers

IF LEARNING to drive is one of your New Year’s resolutions, a new study in the UK – which applies equally to Ireland - has revealed the skills motorists would really like you to get to grips with before you pass your test.

Research from Young Driver asked 1,000 motorists what elements of driving they thought should be focused on more in the learning process.

The dangers of using a mobile phone behind the wheel took the top spot, with 56 per cent saying they wish the message would hit home. Speeding and being more aware of the potential consequences of tailgating also featured highly – elements which should already be focused on significantly in the learning process, but where drivers felt the message wasn’t getting through.

However, according to the research there were also key driving situations people felt weren’t adequately covered in the learning process. Forty three per cent of people thought motorway lessons should be compulsory, with a similar number hoping that would lead to less middle lane hogs on the roads. Forty per cent of motorists thought night time driving should also be a necessary part of lessons.

Motorists were also keen to highlight the importance of driver etiquette during tuition. Forty five per cent of drivers wished more focus was given to manners behind the wheel, such as thanking other road users or allowing people to filter in.

One in four (25 per cent) thought lessons on how to drive with passengers without getting distracted would be useful, and bad parking and failing to use an indicator were also bad habits drivers wished could be avoided by getting the learning process right. One in three drivers (35 per cent) say they wish learners had a lesson on the careful opening of car doors, to avoid dinging another vehicle.

The top 10 things motorists wish learner drivers could be taught more successfully

Not to use a mobile phone when driving – 56 per cent

Not to drive too fast – 49 per cent

The dangers of tailgating – 47 per cent

Driving etiquette, such as thanking other drivers or allowing people to filter in – 45 per cent

How to drive on motorways – 43 per cent

How to drive at night – 40 per cent

Not to be a middle lane hog – 40 per cent

How to park better – 40 per cent

To always use an indicator – 38 per cent

How to open a car door in a tight parking space without banging it into the car next to you – 35 per cent

Further areas of focus included being taught about the dangers of driving too slowly, which 34 per cent of drivers flagged as important, when and how headlights should be used (29 per cent) and how average