Mobile phones ‘causing millions of collisions’
Written by: Fuel Card Services, Last updated:14th February 2022
The issue of driver distraction due to mobile phones has been pulled into sharp focus following the release of new statistics.
Research from Kwik Fit has highlighted how 2.7 million collisions in the last two years can be attributed to mobile phone distraction.
Millions of reasons to avoid mobile phone use
Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, commented: “It is alarming to see that so many motorists are still risking their lives and those of others by using mobile phones behind the wheel.
“There are already so many other distractions on the road that it is vital that drivers pay attention and remain focussed at all times.”
According to Kwik Fit’s new study, one quarter (24 per cent) of motorists admit to reading text messages while driving, while a further one in five (20 per cent) admit to sending them.
The most common reasons drivers gave for using their phone when behind the wheel included taking a call on speaker (44 per cent), making a call on speaker (41 per cent) and using the GPS or satnav (40 per cent).
Overall, the research showed that 1.7 million men were involved in a collision or veered off the road after using a mobile while driving in the last two years, compared to 970,000 women.
Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “The mobile phone helps to keep us all connected, but when using one results in significant distraction, there is no excuse for drivers to hold off on making or taking calls and texts when behind the wheel of a vehicle.”
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