Mobile Phone Drivers 30% Less Responsive Than Drunk Motorists

by Stewart Douglas

Story link: Mobile Phone Drivers 30% Less Responsive Than Drunk Motorists

Using a mobile phone whilst driving may be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol as reaction times can be significantly slowed and concentration adversely affected, according to a study by insurance group yesinsurance.co.uk.

The study into various risks associated with driving for insurance purposes found that the majority of the UK’s driving population own and regularly use a mobile phone whilst driving, news which many have found worrying as a result of the known risks of driving whilst speaking on the phone.

Despite legislative measures to prevent drivers from using hand-held mobile phone units whilst driving, the study reflects that many are still choosing to ignore the rules, with 24% of drivers regularly using their hand held unit whilst driving.

Additionally, the report highlighted hands-free mobile telephones as equaling the risk of driving under the influence of alcohol, as a major distraction requiring distinct concentration apart from driving and the road ahead, which had previously been considered a safer alternative.

Many have found the study particularly shocking in light of the previously low-risk perception of hands-free units, which were thought to be the solution to the dangers of holding a mobile phone whilst driving as they required no physical distraction, rather than when speaking on a mobile handset.

The levels of concentration required to maintain control and hold a telephone conversation is too severe to be conducted under safe conditions, making it actually more dangerous and more risky for motorists than driving whilst drunk.

Studies have shown that the reaction times of those using mobile phones, whether hands-free or handsets whilst driving, are around a third slower than those under the influence of alcohol, and up to half as slow as sober, clear minded motorists.

The news is likely to attract the attention of insurers and authorities alike, as a potential area for legal reform in the future for the protection of motorists nationwide.