10% of drivers still using their mobile at the wheel

One in 10 Irish motorists continues to use a mobile phone while driving, with more than 5% of drivers texting, according to a new study.

Men are more likely to talk on their phones while driving, but women text more, according to research carried out by motoring solutions specialists Easytrip.

The study revealed a significant number of motorists are violating mobile phone road traffic regulations, with more than 10% of drivers continuing to put their lives and those of others at risk by using phones while driving.

The research involved monitoring more than 1,000 vehicles during peak commute times.

Of the 10% of motorists who were observed breaking the law in relation to mobile phone use:

n53% were texting or checking their mobile phone while driving or stationary at traffic lights;

n48% were speaking on their phone while driving or waiting in traffic (with some drivers reportedly committing both offences).

There was a clear distinction between male and female drivers’ habits, with more men (63%) than women (37%) seen breaking the law.

The most common violation for men was talking on their mobile phone (41%) whereas the most prevalent for women was checking their mobile or texting while stopped at traffic lights (39%).

The research showed that a significant number of trucks and van drivers, mostly male, were talking on a hand-held phone while driving.

A generational divide involved in the type of offence being committed was also revealed, with middle-aged people (aged 40-50) more likely to be caught talking on the phone, while younger drivers (in their 20s and 30s) are more likely to text or check their phones while driving.

“Three months on from the introduction of the new penalties for texting, and it seems that a lot of motorists are still ignoring the dangers,” said Ciara O’Brien, general manager of Easytrip.

“Holding a mobile phone while driving, whether you’re talking or texting, increases your chance of an accident by up to four times and is lethally dangerous — that is why the new penalties are so severe.”

From the start of this month, penalty points for holding a mobile phone while driving increased from two points to three points, with a fixed-charge of €60 that can lead to a possible €2,000 fine on conviction.