Confused.com has revealed that UK drivers prioritise their social lives before saving lives on the road. Almost half 40% (38.95%) of motorists check their phones whilst driving, with 27% admitting to logging onto Facebook behind the wheel. The car insurance expert also found that nearly half (45%) will not start their journey unless they can see their phone; a lethal combination considering that drivers are four times more likely to crash when using a mobile phone.

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 workaholic motorists take advantage of time stuck in traffic to catch up on their work calls or emails, and over one fifth (21%) update their status whilst caught behind 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, withover 50% of motorists supporting this idea.

Adrian Walsh, Director of RoadSafe said: “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 the iPhone app ‘DriveSafe.ly’.The app speaks email, SMS, Facebook and Twitter messages aloud allowing drivers to concentrate on the road and stop texting while driving.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “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 incredible dangerous and app’s such as DriveSafe.ly which are designed to protect drivers should be welcomed.”

For a free download of ‘DriveSafe.ly’, customers can visit the Confused.com driving apps page.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases