Mobile Phone Use While Driving ‘Doubles’ In Two Years
According to the latest figures, the number of drivers caught using their mobile phone while driving has almost doubled in the last two years.
The study looked at the impact since the government changed the law to cover any use of a handheld device while driving and found that figures reached a 7-year high.
With 13,332 drivers prosecuted, it’s an issue that is still prevalent on the roads.
What Are The New Mobile Phone Driving Laws?
New laws were introduced in March 2022 that means it’s illegal to use a mobile phone behind the wheel for any reason, including taking videos and photos, playing games or choosing music playlists.
Any driver caught using a mobile device while driving faces a maximum fine of £1,000 and six points on their licence, with the punishment even being able to extend to a driving ban.
It’s because of these new rules and police across the country putting a higher emphasis on catching drivers who are using mobile devices while driving that have led to these higher figures.
Add into that the use of cameras to catch drivers and it’s clear to see that more people are being caught for the offence…
But the real question is whether mobile phone usage has actually increased or whether it’s simply a case of more being done to catch offenders.
What Impact Does This Have On Road Safety?
Mobile phone usage has changed dramatically since the initial laws were introduced back in 2003, hence the need to update the rules in 2022.
Technology has developed to the point where mobile devices are used for everything from playing music and podcasts to navigation, as well as messaging and phone calls.
Whereas the previous law only covered using a mobile device to make or receive calls or send messages, the new law covers any use of a mobile device while driving.
It’s also an issue that fleets are dealing with as a study from earlier this year found that fleet drivers are twice as likely to use a mobile device while driving, something which prompted concern in the industry.
There are calls for the government and highway agencies to consider implementing more strategic camera enforcement technology to capture those committing driving offences such as using mobile phones while driving.
The fact that more drivers are being caught should hopefully act as a deterrent, but distracted driving is an issue that road safety groups are urging the government and authorities to take further action on.
Enforcement appears to have done the trick in the last couple of years and there are calls for more technology to be deployed strategically to reduce the pressure on police forces to enforce the law.
What do you think of the current mobile phone driving laws? Do you think punishments need to be harsher? Or should more be done to catch drivers? Let us know in the comments below.
