Swinton Car Insurance: "Don't Tweet and Drive"

12/04/2010

The number of reported car accidents as a result of in-car social networking has risen considerably according to UK car insurance provider, Swinton car insurance.

Claims against drivers using such websites such as Twitter and Facebook at the wheel have increased by 12 percent year on year, with the majority of accidents caused by a lack of attention in slow moving traffic.

Swinton car insurance has moved to warn UK motorists that causing an accident whilst using a mobile phone can lead to a criminal record and carries serious convictions not to mention a hefty increase in UK car insurance premiums.

Drivers should, at the very least, consider Bluetooth headsets which enable them to receive calls hands-free, keeping eyes firmly fixed on the road at all times. Nevertheless, Swinton car insurance advocates that all mobile equipment is switched off before driving a vehicle.

Steve Chelton, Insurer Development Manager at Swinton car insurance, said: "As technology advances, we are seeing more and more drivers using smart phones and other devices while behind the wheel - and this is leading to more accidents on our roads. Even in slow moving traffic, writing or reading a message is a major distraction. Our advice is simple - turn off any electronic equipment before getting into a car for a safer journey."

The law for hand-held mobile phone usage was amended back in February 2007, with a £60 fine and a three-point driving licence penalty for any offenders.