Welsh drivers have Britain’s worst phone-fixation.
One in five Welsh drivers told pollsters they regularly check or use their mobile while driving, and the Scots are only a bumper behind.
A survey for Select Car Leasing also revealed that despite the well-publicised threat of six penalty points and a £200 fine, a variety of phone-related offences continue, including 1 in 7 checking mobile devices for messages (14%), 1 in 20 texting (5%) and 1 in 20 reading emails and accessing the internet (5%).
Interestingly, the survey reveals key differences between the kinds of offences that women and men are likely to commit. Men rate higher on more ‘driving-related’ offences such as driving with one hand, (46% vs. 41% for females), speeding (40% vs. 37%) and not using indicators (23% vs. 21%).
However, women are more likely to commit more ‘multi-tasking’ related offences including eating or drinking while driving (41% vs. 33% for men), checking the mobile phone (17% vs. 11%), texting (7% vs. 4%) and removing items of clothing (12% vs. 7%).
Many people still can’t help checking their phone when driving, although in some regions, drivers are better than other.
The most common faults and offences of drivers are: 1. Over 4 in 10 driving with just one hand on the wheel (43%) 2. 4 in 10 speeding in areas with no speed cameras (39%) 3. 4 in 10 eating/drinking while driving (37%) 4. One third accelerating through yellow lights (34%) 5. 1 in 5 not using indicators (22%) | The worst UK regions for checking their mobile phones 1. Wales (20%) 2. Scotland (19%) 3. West Midlands (18%) 4. North East (18%) However, people in East Anglia (10%), the North West (11%) and Yorkshire/Humber (11%) were less likely to do this. |