A study earlier this year indicated that around 22% of crashes – road traffic accidents (‘RTAs’) – are caused by drivers being distracted behind the wheel. Mobile phone use is a significant cause of such distractions, and the research also indicated that even making a hands-free call resulted in the same level of distraction. Texting drivers were revealed to be the most highly distracted, with a one third reduction in overall reaction time combined with worse lane discipline and control.
Despite these statistics, many drivers still think that taking a quick peek at their phone whilst driving is safe. In March this year, in a significant new crackdown over a four week period, police forces throughout the UK caught an average of 200 drivers per day using a mobile phone whilst driving. As well as being dangerous and potentially fatal, such illegal phone usage will also now result in six penalty points on your driving licence, together with a £200 fine, both factors that will also result in your car insurance premiums increasing, sometimes by a significant amount.
In 2015, mobile phone use by drivers was a contributory factor in 22 deaths and 99 serious injuries from accidents on UK roads. Leading road safety charity BRAKE is continuing to campaign for even tougher penalties, and the Police would like to see phone use whilst driving as socially unacceptable as drink driving.
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a road traffic accident, the friendly team here at The Accident Claimline will be happy to give you easy to understand and free assistance. To find out more, please contact us or call 0800 977 4852