Drivers don't care for mobile ban

New laws that prohibit driving with a mobile phone held to the ear have failed to cut out the practice, with figures released today suggesting that one driver in 10 is still doing so.

Anecdotal evidence would suggest that that figure is perhaps even on the low side. In any case, it still shows that the change in the law and the threat of a £1,000 maximum fine has failed to encourage drivers to act responsibly behind the wheel.

According to motoring organisation Green Flag, which conducted the survey, it's not even the case that motorists are as yet unaware of the law change or the risks, but merely that many are choosing to ignore them.

A Green Flag spokeswoman said: "Our research shows the majority of motorists are aware of the ban and the dangers associated with mobile-phone use, yet they are still prepared to take risks."

According to Green Flag's statistics, about half of all UK drivers make calls behind the wheel but park up safely before doing so.

Bosses have also been shamed for failing to inform their employees of the law change, with a third of respondents to the survey saying their employers had made no attempt to advise them on in-car mobile phone use while working.

Anthony McKay, MD of Telephonetics, which makes voice-activated mobile phone technology, told silicon.com that companies must do all they can to ensure that their staff comply with the new legislation - or else it could be their necks on the line.

McKay said companies that fail to inform staff of the law change could well find themselves on shaky legal ground if employees pick up fines or, worse still, are involved in an accident.

Mary Williams, CEO of road safety charity Brake, said: "These findings show a worrying number of drivers are still putting lives at risk by using their hand-held mobile phones behind the wheel."

According to Williams, using a mobile phone while driving makes drivers up to six times more likely to crash. Research also shows that even hands-free phones pose a significant risk, Williams claims.

"The advice to drivers is clear and simple," she said. "Don't make or take a call; you may take a life."