WORRYING statistics have revealed that more than half of Coventry drivers are continuing to use their mobile phone at the wheel, despite it being illegal.
The findings come to light following the Pokemon Go craze, which brought thousands of drivers attention to their screen as oppose to the roads.
Although 89 per cent of drivers know using their mobile at the wheel is illegal, 52 per cent of Coventry drivers – from those surveyed – admitted to using their smart phone at the wheel.
In addition, a fifth of the city’s drivers keep their phone somewhere easily accessible in the car and only six per cent keep it safely out of reach – such as on the back seat.
Further stats revealed 89 per cent of drivers are bothered by the fact so many drivers use their mobile phone at the wheel.
The survey was carried out by Jefferies Solicitors – and their managing director, Michael Jefferies, said it’s worrying that people continue to take risks despite the obvious dangers involved.
He added: “We see a large number of motoring offence claims involving serious injuries or fatalities – and more recently, mobile phone use is investigated following a collision to determine the cause.
“These types of accidents can easily be avoided if drivers only use their phones when it’s safe to do so.”
Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said the research has provided concrete evidence that using a mobile phone at the wheel increases the chances of crashing.
“Drivers who use a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands-free, are much less aware of what’s happening on the road around them, fail to maintain proper lane position and react more slowly.
“Using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing, and injuring or killing innocent people.
“Sadly many people still use a mobile phone behind the wheel despite it being illegal and dangerous to do so.”
