CRASH NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE MOBILE USERS QUIT

Ashocking 40 per cent of drivers say that even causing an accident wouldn’t stop them using a handheld phone at the wheel.

As police forces around the country complete a week of focused enforcement, new figures suggest a worrying number of motorists still see nothing wrong with the illegal and distracting use of a handheld phone while driving.

Causing an accident was the most likely scenario to stop someone using their phone but still only three in five drivers said it would definitely change their behaviour.

Being caught by police (55 per cent) and the threat of a fine and points on their licence (54 per cent) were the two next biggest deterrents. Knowing the victim of an accident where handheld phone use was a factor, and causing a near-miss were also only enough to discourage just over half of drivers (54 and 53 per cent respectively).

Even being in an accident caused by someone else using their phone would only put half of drivers off, suggesting a worrying arrogance about their own abilities.

The figures were released by the RAC as part of its Be Phone Smart safety campaign.

Campaign spokesman Pete Williams said: “It seems reasonable to expect that causing an accident while using a handheld phone would be enough to force every driver to change their ways. But our data suggests otherwise – while six in 10 motorists told us they thought that would motivate them to kick the illegal habit, that indicates a remarkable four in 10 didn’t think it would.

“This is a worrying statistic and suggests that some drivers are still failing to see just how distracting using a handheld phone at the wheel can be, even though it has been illegal in the UK since 2003.

“Handheld phone use has become rooted in the behaviour of some drivers and it is going to take a herculean effort to change their mindset. No single action will achieve this and we need a combination of education so drivers understand the dangers, encourage them to give the habit up, and combine this with rigorous enforcement of the law, so those breaking the law can expect to get caught.”

Road Safety Minister Jesse Norman said: “The message is clear: do not be distracted by your mobile phone while driving. Holding and using your phone at the wheel risks serious injury and even death to yourself and others.

“It is shocking that so many people still use handheld phones at the wheel, which is why I’m calling on families and friends to make it as socially unacceptable as drink driving.”