Driving & Texting on the Rise

21/06/2010

It is illegal to use your phone while behind the wheel and this is regardless of texting or calling, the same rules apply.

It is illegal to use your phone while behind the wheel and this is regardless of texting or calling, the same rules apply.

However, a recent UK study showed that texting while driving is on the increase. Aptly named ‘Drive-Texting’, this phenomenon increases the risk of accident that can result in serious injury for all of those involves from driver to passenger to other motorists and pedestrian. Shockingly it has been proven to be as dangerous as drink driving.

The Study’s findings:

Drivers who use mobile phones whilst driving are four times more likely to be involved in an accident than their non-mobile users. This applies to both handheld and hands free phones.

Drivers’ texting while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident than those talking on hands free kits.

These accidents are caused by mental distractions and divided attention. In addition any driver caught texting while driving will be fined £60, with three points added to their license. If the case makes it to court then the accused could be banned from the road or fined up to £2000.