Survey Suggests Dangers Of Mobile Phone Abuse Is Still Underplayed

A LEADING used car warranty firm has conducted a survey to find out what the public believe to be the most dangerous driving offences.

Those driver surveyed by Warrantywise believed that by far the most serious offence was driving under the influence, with 67% of respondents listing this at the top.

Ranked next highest with just 10% was ignoring traffic lights and 9% using mobile devices whilst driving.

The latter concern surprised those conducting the survey, as a previous poll revealed that mobile phone use behind the wheel was classed as the biggest pet hate by motorists.

The full results:

Driving under influence 67%

Ignoring Traffic Lights 10%

Mobile Devices 9%

Driving Too Fast 5%

Smoking/Eating 2%

Driving Too Slowly 2%

Dangerous Overtaking 2%

Commenting on the poll, Richard Hodges, Marketing Manager at Warrantywise, said: “We are always interested to hear the views of motorists, but we are surprised that so few see the use of mobile phones while driving a serious problem.”

“People using a mobile device in the car are a key target for the police, after fines for the offence were doubled. Drivers caught using their devices in the car, even if they are stopped at traffic lights or in queuing traffic, can face a fine of £100 and 3 penalty points. Yet it is still seen as an unimportant law.

“Breaking down some of the lower offences, 70% of people admit to eating behind the wheel, yet only 2% of people surveyed consider this to be dangerous. The same percentage accounted for ‘dangerous’ overtaking/undertaking manoeuvres.

“Still shocking certainly, but compare this to speeding. Whilst only 5% of respondents rated this as the most dangerous offence, it shows people gravely underestimate the hazard it represents. Currently, fatalities caused by speeding number approximately 400 people each year, 100 more than driving under the influence.”

By Press Association reporters