Mobile phone use still prevalent

The Department of Transport Think! Campaign has revealed that since 1 March 2017, more than 26,000 drivers have received six points for holding and using their phone while driving.

insurethebox is concerned that some drivers may not realise when it is illegal to use a mobile phone. Research conducted by the telematics insurance provider found that nearly one in five (18.38%) of drivers admitted to using their phone for getting directions while driving, which is illegal.

Simon Rewell, road safety manager of insurethebox, said, ‘Over 18% of those who completed our survey said they use their phone in the car for directions. But do they realise that it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving?’

The new Think! campaign urges motorists to use their glovebox as their phone box – a sentiment insurethebox supports.

‘We urge motorists to avoid ever holding a mobile phone while driving, and to resist the temptation of looking at the phone, even if stuck in a queue of traffic,’ added Simon. ‘If there is a need to use the phone as a satnav, motorists should pull over to either add or amend directions. The ‘do not disturb’ function that is now so common on mobile devices should be switched on so that there is no risk of distraction while driving.’

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