Mobile Phones Named The Biggest Accident-Causing Distraction On UK Roads

New research from Prima, the car insurance provider, reveals the number of accidents on UK roads caused by mobile phones and other tech devices distracting drivers. In the past five years, 7.3 million Brits (14%) have been involved in a car accident. Of those surveyed, 15% said their accident was entirely or in part caused by a phone call. 14% blamed a navigation app.

It is illegal to hold and use a phone or tablet while driving. This includes while stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or supervising a learner driver. Despite this, a quarter of Brits (25%) think it is fine to use their phone to select music. Around one in 10 (9%) believe that they can send texts or use messaging apps. And 16% of young people believe they can check social media, so long as their car is not moving.

Using a phone at the wheel can result in a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence. Two fifths of drivers say that the penalty is enough to put them off committing the offence. Many drivers continue to ignore the risk though. In fact, 41% of Brits admit that they have, or know someone who has, made or taken a phone call while driving. And nearly a quarter (24%) say that they have, or know someone who has, sent a text or email at the wheel.

Nick Ielpo, UK Country Manager at Prima, says:
“Anything that takes your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, increases your chance of having an accident. Stricter penalties have made some drivers think twice about using their phone while driving. But we can see that there’s still a worrying number who don’t see the danger or choose to ignore it.

“As an insurance provider, we want to urge everyone to put their safety, as well as the safety of their passengers and other road users, first. Make sure you limit possible distractions at the wheel.”