Stupidly calling, texting
IT was very depressing to hear during the week that research of mobile phone use by Irish drivers, carried out by motoring solutions specialists, Easy Trip, has revealed that a significant number of motorist are violating mobile phone road traffic regulations, with more than 10pc of drivers continuing to put their lives — and others — at risk by using their hand-held phones while driving.
The research, which involved monitoring more than 1,000 vehicles during peak commute times, produced some alarming findings. Of the 10pc of motorists who were observed breaking the law in relation to mobile phone use: 53pc were texting/ checking their mobile phone while driving or stationary at traffic lights, and 48pc were speaking on their hand-held phone while driving or waiting in traffic
Some drivers were commit- ting both offences.
There was a clear distinction between male and female drivers’ habits in the sample monitored, with more males (63pc) than females (37pc) observed breaking the law. The most common violation for males was talking on their hand-held mobile phone while driving (41pc) whereas the most prevalent for women was checking or texting on their mobile phone while stopped at traffic lights (39pc).
Interestingly, it appears there is a generational divide involved in the type of offence being committed, with middle-aged people (40-50 age group) more likely to be caught talking on the phone while younger drivers (20s and 30s) are more likely to text or check their phones while driving.