A motoring report from the RAC has found that there is an increase in numbers of motorists using smartphones behind the wheel to access social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
The poll, of over a thousand motorists, found the proportion of motorists, aged 25 – 44, accessing social media while driving had increased by half from 12% to 18% in just a year.
Overall, 44% said they felt less safe than ever on the roads. 61% said there was not enough police on the roads with 23% believing they would not get caught if they broke motoring laws.
Meanwhile more than 40% said they wanted to see a ban for illegal mobile phone use behind the wheel.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: “We have an enviable record on road safety in this country and I want to keep it that way. Road safety is a top priority and we are determined to dramatically reduce deaths and injuries still further.
“We are cracking down on the most dangerous drivers while improving the driver training and testing process to make our roads safer for everyone.
“Despite the need to reduce Government spending on advertising, we continue to invest in targeted publicity campaigns to protect the most vulnerable road users and tackle the most dangerous behaviours by a minority of drivers.
“I recently announced a new offence to tackle the deadly menace of drug driving which will be supported by THINK! campaign activity. We are also proposing to increase the fine for using a mobile phone while driving from £60 to between £80 and £100 this year.”
When you’re not driving, don’t forget to check out our Twitter and Facebook pages.
We’ve also just launched our new website with a Motoring Offence Solicitors page.
MJP Motoring Solicitors
May, 23, 2012