The revelations from the research highlighting the extent of mobile phone usage by UK drivers has backed recommendations submitted to the government demanding a change in the law
Nearly three in ten drivers text at the wheel, with a further one in eleven admitting to using the web, revealed a survey conducted by insurance company Direct Line.
"Mobile phone technology has become such an intrinsic part of our lives, that many drivers feel it is perfectly acceptable to drive whilst talking, texting, emailing or even surfing the web on their phone. It isn't and there is no excuse to undertake these activities. No call or text is that important to risk your own life or the lives of others," said Frances Browning, spokesperson for Direct Line Car Insurance.
Brake, the insurer and road safety charity have submitted a series of recommendations to Westminster ,following the survey, asking for traffic policing to become a national priority, in order to improve the enforcement of driving laws; widespread media campaigns to be conducted, highlighting the dangers of mobile phone use; hands free devices to be banned; increased penalties for mobile-phone offences and road safety to be incorporated into the national curriculum.
With the research supporting that at-work drivers are at a greater risk of accidents on British roads, the freight industry may support the new proposals.