A quarter of British motorists think it is better to drive while using a mobile phone than speeding.
The findings emerged from a survey of 2000 motorists after tough new legislation came in to introduce an increase in fines for those caught driving while using a handset, and penalty points for those caught first time.
Researchers also found two thirds of drivers knowingly drive over the speed limit, but only one in 10 had been caught during the last 24 months.
And despite clear signage indicating the acceptable limits on all roads, 45 per cent of people think it is acceptable to drive faster than they’re meant to.
While seven in 10 drivers admit to intentionally slowing down to pass a speed camera, immediately speeding back up once past.
Alistair Hargreaves, head of service for car insurer, Admiral said: “It’s clear many motorists don’t see speeding as a particularly serious offence, and most admit they break the speed limit. We wanted to find out where motorists rank speeding in seriousness compared with a range of other offences and bad driving habits.
“Nearly one in four thinks using a phone while driving is less serious than speeding.
Both offences carry a penalty, but recently the government increased the punishment for anyone caught using their phone behind the wheel; you now face a £200 and 6 points on your licence.
“Attitudes to speeding on motorways are particularly relaxed for a lot of drivers, and the majority would like the government to raise the speed limit from 70mph.
The study shows 46 per cent of motorists don’t think driving 80 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone is a particularly serious driving offence.
Which is why 84 per cent of people admit to have broken the law on Britain’s motorways, compared to 64 per cent on dual carriageways.