It's not good to talk, says Halfords
Date:
25 February 2011
Increasing numbers of motorists are breaking the law by using mobile phones while driving, according to research by Halfords.
The firm's survey found a 50% rise (to one in 10) in the number of drivers using social network sites in the last year, a 29% increase in calls made and received while on the road and a 25% hike in text messaging.
Halfords said the results show the threat of a £60 fine and three penalty points for flouting the law are failing to persuade motorists to stay off the phone or use hands free kits.
It said 41% of drivers admitted to taking a call when behind the wheel in the last year while 29% had made a call - up by 10% and 7% respectively on the previous year.
Men are the worst offenders, with 35% admitting to using their phones while driving compared to 22% of women.
Halfords carried out the research to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the introduction of legislation to discourage the use of hand held phones while driving.
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