It’s been over a decade since using a mobile phone whilst driving was made a criminal offence in the UK. But it seems the British drivers just aren’t getting the message. Just over eight in 10 drivers (81 per cent) admitted to using their phone without a hands-free device while on the move, even though it’s illegal to do so.
Just over half (52 per cent) said they used their phone to make calls, while 44 per cent admitted that they used it to send text messages while driving. A further 31 per cent said they checked emails and 24 per cent admitted using their phones to check social networking sites while on the road, according to a poll of 1,859 motorists in 2011 by GoodMobilePhones.co.uk.
That means nearly 1 in 5 motorists admitted to accessing social networking sites on their mobile phone while driving in 2011. Given the increase in subscribers to social networks over the last 3 years I think it’s a fair to assume this last statistic may have increased.
Our need to capture, photograph and share instantly everything that goes on around us doesn't help. I’ll never forget the complete idiocy (and irony) of a friend’s post on Facebook. They were highlighting how dangerous it was that the car in front had their satnav in the middle of their driving vision. Fine apart from the fact they pointed this out by taking a picture of it to share with everyone whilst driving!
In America last month a 32 year old woman died just seconds after she posted selfies and a message on Facebook saying “The happy song makes me so HAPPY.” Police have confirmed the posts appeared on her timeline at 8.33am and at 8.34am police were called to reports of a road traffic accident.
Her car crossed the central reservation, crashed into a recycling lorry and burst into flames. Police confirmed she was alone in the car, and they found no evidence that drink, drugs or speed were factors in the crash. The link to Facebook only emerged days later, after her friends told the police that a number of posts appeared to come at a similar time to the road traffic accident.
Lt Chris Weisner, High Point Police Department spokesperson, said the collision was a real-life public service advert “showing what happens when you text and drive”.
He went on to say that as well as the status update seconds before the crash, evidence from her social media profiles showed she had also been taking photos, while driving, of herself on the highway.
“In a matter of seconds, a life was over just so she could notify some friends that she was happy. It’s really not worth it,” he said.
“As sad as it is, it is also a grim reminder for everyone… you just have to pay attention while you are in the car.”
The Facts About Using a Mobile Phone Whilst Driving:
- You’re four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone whilst driving
- Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than normal driving
- Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash
The law
- It’s illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving on the road
- If you are caught, you could be fined and lose your licence and your insurance costs could go up
Perhaps we need an updated version of this powerful advert that would show people taking selfies whilst driving and trying to upload them to instagram, or tweeting them to their 'followers.'
Luckily the 73 year old driver of the recycling lorry walked away from the accident unharmed. Not everyone is this fortunate.
We Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident as a result of another drivers negligence, such as using a mobile phone whilst driving, then you may entitled to personal injury compensation.
If You Have a Genuine Claim, Contact a Genuine Company
May I Claim, is a trading name of R Costings Limited and our CRM number is 25770
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and suffered an injury - Call us now on 0800 756 7774 and talk to us to find out if you have a claim - or fill in our Quick Claim form (on the right of this page).
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/345326/1-in-5-Admit-to-Social-Networking-Using-a-Mobile-Phone-Whilst-Driving
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