New research from Confused.com shows too many drivers use their phones behind the wheel. Almost half 40% (38.95%) of motorists actually check their phones whilst driving, with 27% admitting to logging onto Facebook behind the wheel. Almost half (45%) will not start their journey unless they can see their phone. Knowing that drivers are four times more likely to crash when using a mobile phone these findings are
The increasing popularity of Facebook and Twitter means that the ‘Twitch Factor’ is on the rise, with one fifth of motorists not being able to last more than 15 minutes without checking their phones. 15% of workaholicmotorists take advantage of time stuck in traffic to catch up on their workcalls or emails, and over one fifth (21%) update their status whilst caughtbehind a red light.
Surprisingly, although 75% of motorists are aware of the penalty for being on their phone behind the wheel, 60% of them still answer their phone when they’re driving. The ignorance of drivers suggests a harsher penalty should be introduced, with over 50% of motorists supporting this idea.
Adrian Walsh, Director of RoadSafe says: “It’s a frightening thought that people are checking their smartphones whilst driving. Many studies from across the world prove that drivers using phones are slower to respond than those who are just over the drink-drive limit. It is dangerous to use a phone – even hands free when driving.”
To encourage drivers to stop using their phones while on the road, Confused.com have teamed up with iSpeech, creators of the iPhone app ‘DriveSafe.ly’. The app speaks email, SMS, Facebook and Twitter messages aloud and lets you respond by voice allowing drivers to concentrate on the road and stop texting while driving.
Confused.com developed an application with iSpeech that can read the content of an email, SMS, Facebook and Twitter messages out loud. This should already help reduce the number of drivers manipulating their phone behind the wheel. Yet what can help them responding to these messages they receive ?
Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com says: “Our research shows that although people are aware of the consequences involved, they struggle to tear themselves away from their mobile phones and social media. Using these devices while driving is incredibly dangerous and app’s such as DriveSafe.ly which are designed to protect drivers should be welcomed.”
Source : Confused.com
