Tougher Penalties for Using Mobile Phones While Driving
According to the Transport Research Laboratory, despite tougher penalties, using mobile phones behind the wheel is on the increase. In 2009 2.8 per cent of motorists used phones behind the wheel, compared to 2.6 per cent in 2006.
With increase phone use while driving linked to a rise in the number of accidents, this could be bad news. The more insurance companies are forced to pay out over such incidents, the higher premiums are likely to go.
AA president, Edmund King, commented on the risks and told the BBC more police and publicity campaigns are needed to highlight the issue. He stated: “If you think back to seat-belt wearing, ‘clunk, click, every trip’ and the Jimmy Savile stuff way back, it gradually had an effect, but it does take time.”
Adrian Flux Insurance Services suggested that drivers may be able to reduce their insurance premiums by passing the Pass Plus driving test.