Dangerous drivers still ignoring mobile ban

Drivers in the UK are still flouting the ban on driving while using a mobile phone handset - and the Department for Transport (DfT) is urging them to consider the danger to others and to themselves.

Although it's a message which has failed to sink in so far, Stephen Ladyman, road safety minister, insists the practice leads to a four-fold increase in the risk of an accident.

Ladyman said: "Using a mobile phone while you're driving makes you four times more likely to have an accident, and it's a shame that a small minority of drivers are still using their hand-held phones."

But many drivers still seem intent on valuing their social lives above the lives of others. A study by the DfT found 1.5 per cent of car drivers were spotted talking on their mobiles and for lorry drivers the figure was higher at 2.4 per cent.

Ladyman said: "Missing a call won't kill you but a road accident might. I urge people to switch off their phones while they're driving to make the roads safer for us all. The police are on the road looking out for drivers using phones and they do prosecute those they catch."

The Road Safety Bill, which is currently going through parliament, will mean motorists spotted using a mobile phone behind the wheel will get a £60 fine and three points on their licence.

However, the DfT today also revealed worrying figures regarding driver apathy towards basic safety information. The study found that seven per cent of drivers still fail to wear a seat belt, while six per cent of front seat passengers also eschew the safety belt.