Millions breaking law by using mobile phones at the wheel

Using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing

A 'worrying' eight million UK drivers continue to break the law using their mobile phones at the wheel, it was revealed in a survey commissioned by law firm Jefferies Solicitors.

Managing director Michael Jefferies said: "It's worrying to see that people continue to take risks, despite being aware that using their mobile phone while driving is illegal.

"We see a large number of motoring offence claims involving serious injuries or fatalities and more recently, mobile phone use is investigated following a collision to determine the cause.

"These types of accidents can easily be avoided if drivers only use their phones when it's safe to do so."

Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: "Research has firmly established that using a mobile phone while driving adversely affects driver performance.

"Drivers who use a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands-free, are much less aware of what's happening on the road around them, fail to maintain proper lane position and react slowly.

"Using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing, and injuring or killing innocent people.

"Sadly, as this survey shows, many people still use a mobile phone behind the wheel despite it being illegal and dangerous to do so."

Motorists caught using their mobile phones face three points on their licence and a fine of £60, with this rising to £1,000 if the case goes to court.