General
Using phone when driving makes accidents 4 times more likely
Using a mobile phone when driving makes motorists four times more likely to suffer an accident, research has proved.
The study, published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), found that the use of mobiles – including hands-free devices – quadrupled the risk for drivers of sustaining a serious crash.
Conducted in Western Australia among 456 drivers who had been involved in a crash necessitating hospital attendance between 2002 and 2004, the study found that mobile phone use in the ten minutes prior to a crash increased the risk of crashing four-fold.
The risk was raised irrespective of the age or sex of the motorist, or whether the driver was using a hands-free kit or had a car insurance policy.
Worryingly, the research suggests that the installation of hands-free mobile equipment in cars, rather than reducing the risk of accidents, could actually increase crashes if it encourages drivers to talk on their mobiles.
It has been illegal to use a hand-held mobile whilst driving in Western Australia since July 2001.
Ensuring your car is fully covered by car insurance should go hand in hand with putting away your mobile phone in order to ensure your safety, and that of other drivers.
© Adfero LtdBreakdown cover
FOR ONLY £50!
 |
Comprehensive breakdown cover for your vehicle at very competitive rates... |
- MY EXPRESS
- Making a claim
- Change your details
- Customer services
