Van drivers admit to making calls while behind the wheel

MORE than half of van drivers have admitted to making calls behind the wheel without using a hands-free device, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Van drivers spend an average of 35 minutes on the phone each day in their vehicles, making an average of seven calls a day. One in 10 spend two hours on the phone while driving during the working day.

The results of the investigation come two years on from tougher laws governing the use of mobile phones.

Since March 2017, driving while using a device – including making calls, texting, taking selfies or posting on social media – has carried a fine of £200 and a six penalty point endorsement on a driver’s licence. Being caught twice is enough to have your licence revoked.

However, many drivers are risking breaking the law by not having a hands-free kit in their vans (23 per cent) or failing to use the technology even if their vehicle is fully-equipped (33 per cent).

Just over a quarter said their vehicle was fitted with hands-free and they always use it to make phone calls while driving.

Recent government statistics reveal nearly half a million drivers still use their phones behind the wheel while phone distraction is listed as a contributory factor in over 30 deaths annually.

Sarah Cox, head of marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Our figures show that many van drivers don’t have or aren’t using a Bluetooth hands-free kit behind the wheel – risking not only a fine and potential ban, which would damage business, but, more seriously, a potentially fatal accident.”