An update to the law due in the first half of 2017 regarding mobile phone usage whilst driving could see the number of offenders dramatically drop.
In 2014 government figures revealed that more than 500,000 motorists were still using their mobile phones while driving each day.
New research by Leasing Options shows that 51% of UK drivers admit they have used their mobile phone whilst driving, even though in the UK the law states that “it’s illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device while driving…The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic”.
The current punishment is a potential 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £100. However, an upcoming change in the law means that drivers current punishment will be doubled to an on-the-spot fine of £200 and receive six points on their licence automatically.
Leasing Options surveyed drivers across the UK, to find out how many are currently aware of the proposed changes to the law and the impact this has on their attitudes towards using a mobile whilst driving.
Over three quarters of the drivers surveyed revealed they were aware of the proposed changes and 91% said the increase in punishment would deter them from using their mobile phone whilst driving in the future.
However, it’s not just the increase in penalty points and a £200 fine that puts drivers off taking the risk. 77% admitted that the removal of a remedial course as an alternative punishment to receiving points on your licence and a fine would also be a big factor in deterring them.
Although 29% of respondents said they would never deem it OK to use a mobile phone while driving, a further 28% still said they would deem it OK in an emergency and 16% said they would use their mobile phone when the car is stopped at traffic lights.
Drivers were also asked what the ‘naughtiest’ things they’ve ever done whilst driving and the results revealed that UK drivers have previously risked using their phone in a car for activities including playing Pokemon Go, face-timing and taking selfies.
But even if they are not actively using their mobile phones themselves 77% of 25 to 34 year olds admitted that if their phone goes off either a phone call, text or notification when they are driving, even if they don’t answer, they find it distracting.