UK drivers know it’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving but think penalties are not harsh enough

Bluetooth accessories maker Jabra surveyed over 2,000 people in the UK to find out what people think about using a mobile phone while driving. Apparently, 93% of motorists are aware that using a handset while at the wheel without a handsfree kit could now be treated as dangerous driving and carry a prison sentence of up to two years. It’s cool to know that many people are aware about it. However, what came as a surprise is that 68% of British motorists think that this penalty should be tougher, even though a prison sentence is already included in the “mix.”

The idea behind respondents’ answers is that nothing works like a really tough penalty, which would encourage drivers to stop using their handheld at the wheel. According to Jabra, this “tough line” is being driven by the fact that more than half of respondents had at one point or another felt endangered by phone addict drivers clearly holding their phones to their ear while driving.

The survey showed that of those continuing to use their phone whilst driving, 25% state, “I am not likely to get caught,” and a further 24% cite that they just couldn’t miss a call. Furthermore, 12% of respondents knew someone who had been caught by the police, and only 3% admitted that they’d ever been caught.

So what should people do? Obviously get themselves either headsets or car kits. Apparently, 62% of drivers are doing just that, with 20% of them saying that they’d considered buying a hands free kit to avoid going to prison. On the other hand, 17% have actually stopped using their phone as a result of the new law.

“This survey highlights the fact that although the majority of the population know about the Driving Legislation, many feel harsher penalties are needed for those that continue to risk lives by ignoring the law. In today’s stressful and busy lifestyle the need to use the phone whilst driving is a reality and drivers must remember that if they have to use the phone, to do it handsfree.” commented Andrew Doyle, Jabra’s UK Sales Director.