Drivers ignore mobile ban

Last updated at 15:47 24 August 2004


More than a third of drivers are still using hand-held mobile phones while driving even though it is now illegal to do so, it was revealed today.

And while 92% of motorists say they are responsible, law-abiding citizens, 10% admit to texting on their mobiles while driving, a survey from RAC Legal Services found.

The results support previous RAC research which showed 89% of drivers thought the hand-held mobile phone law, introduced in December 2003, was not changing driver behaviour.

Today's survey also found 24% of people admitted to driving while tired during the last six months and a further 3% owned up to drink driving.

Mark Hodges, spokesperson for RAC Legal Services, said: "This is something we suspected was happening, but our research proves the shocking number of drivers flouting the law.

"Drivers using a hand-held mobile phone pose a major threat to the safety of all road users and the law seems to have had little effect on their attitudes.

"Even though people continue to take huge risks, they should be aware the law is now clear and no motorist should be using ignorance as a defence."

RAC Legal Services questioned more than 2,000 British motorists on their driving behaviour over the last six months.

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