Drivers continue to use mobiles and risk lives

Drivers continue to take risks with their lives and those of others by using mobile phones while on the move, official figures from the Department of Transport have revealed.

The study has shown that the proportion of car drivers using a handheld device on the roads has increased from 1.1 per cent in September 2008 to 1.4 per cent.

In the same period, the number of motorists using hands-free devices went up from 0.5 per cent to 1.4 per cent.

The figures demonstrate that drivers are ignoring widespread advice on the use of mobiles while driving, commented Institute of Advanced Motorists director of policy and research Neil Greig.

"Along with consistent and high-profile policing, drivers need to be educated about how and why driving on the phone is so dangerous," he said, adding: "Deaths and injuries linked to mobile phone use wreck lives and are completely avoidable."

Mr Greig suggested that enforcement of the law is the key weapon against irresponsible drivers.