At Fantoni Driving School we know that mobile phones are a fact of life. This isn’t going to change but it is worth discussing the impact of using your mobile phone behind the wheel.
Many distractions can affect your performance while driving, but in the eyes of the law, handling a phone is a big red flag. During your lessons, we ask you to turn off your phone and put it out of sight so you can concentrate on your driving lessons.
Here are some of the latest facts and figures to give you a better understanding of the law and the consequences of the use of mobile phones behind the wheel.
General Overview
Mobile phone use among young drivers in the UK remains a critical issue, contributing significantly to road accidents and fatalities. Despite strict regulations, a substantial number of young drivers continue to use their phones while driving, which compromises road safety.
Observational Data
- Age Group Disparity: In 2023, the highest proportion of drivers using handheld mobile phones were in the 17 to 29 age group. Observational data indicated that 0.45% of drivers in this age bracket used their phones while driving, compared to 0.30% for those aged 30 to 59 and just 0.11% for drivers aged 60 and over (GOV.UK).
- Gender Disparity: A higher percentage of male drivers (0.3%) were observed using a handheld mobile phone compared to female drivers (0.2%) (GOV.UK).
- Time of Day: Mobile phone use by drivers was higher during the evening (0.8%) compared to daytime (0.3%) (GOV.UK).
Self-Reported Data
- Young Drivers’ Admissions: Nearly 50% of drivers aged 17-24 admitted to using their mobile phones while driving in 2023, a significant increase from 34% in 2022 (RAC).
- Overall Trends: The proportion of drivers across all age groups using phones while driving increased from 10% in 2022 to 12% in 2023, highlighting a worrying trend of rising non-compliance (RAC).
Road Safety Impact
- Accidents and Casualties: In 2022, 22 fatalities and 652 injuries in road traffic collisions were directly attributed to drivers using mobile phones (GOV.UK). Additionally, young drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in fatal crashes when driving with peers, largely due to peer pressure and distraction (Brake).
- Risk Factors: Young drivers exhibit higher risk behaviors such as speeding, harsh braking, and overtaking. These behaviors are often exacerbated by mobile phone use, which further impairs their ability to respond to road hazards (Brake).
Psychological Factors
- Brain Development: The pre-frontal cortex, responsible for impulse control, does not fully mature until the mid-20s. This developmental factor, combined with the overactive limbic system in young people, makes young drivers more prone to risk-taking and distraction from mobile phones (Brake).
Conclusion
The statistics underline the urgent need for targeted interventions to address mobile phone use among young drivers in the UK. Enhanced enforcement, educational campaigns, and technological solutions like in-vehicle monitoring systems could help mitigate this persistent issue and improve road safety.
For further detailed statistics and insights, you can explore the reports from the UK Government and the RAC.
We want all our students to have a safe and positive result from learning to drive and as technology advances, the way we drive will have to adapt to ensure the safety of all road users.
If you are in any doubt or have questions about using a mobile phone while driving, speak to your instructor about it.
If you are looking to start your driving lessons or even become a driving instructor contact Fantoni Driving School now https://www.fantonidrivingschool.co.uk/