52% of motorists suppport stricter penalties for use of hand-held devices
Nearly 90% of the 445 road users who responded to the survey said that the use of a handheld mobile device while driving was "very distracting", with 95% claiming to have personally witnessed another motorist doing so.
Over half (52%) of those surveyed believed that penalties for using a handheld mobile device should be more severe.
However, 42% of motorists admitting to having spoken on a handheld mobile device themselves while driving. Over a quarter (27%) admitted to texting while behind the wheel; 13% have taken a photo and 6% admitted to accessing social media whilst driving.
“The interesting thing about this study is that, whilst almost everybody was happy to vent their indignation at other drivers’ carelessness, a large number also owned-up to the very things that concerned them,” explained Tim Naylor, editor of the BCA Used Car Market Report.
“But it is clear from our research that there is a groundswell of support for stronger penalties for using a hand-held mobile while driving – whether talking, texting or accessing social media."
Katie Beck
Katie joined Fleet World in 2012 as an editorial intern, following the completion of an English and American Literature BA from the University of East Anglia. She accepted a full-time position as an editorial assistant at the end of the internship period, and was promoted to the role of features editor in 2014. She works across the magazine and website portfolio, and administrates the social media channels.
