Department for Transport figures have shown that drivers using a mobile phone were involved in crashes equating to the death of one person every 10 days in 2016.
Recorded deaths numbered 35 where it was deemed that the driver was distracted or impaired while using their phone at the wheel, up from 22 deaths the previous year.
Such distractions also led to a further 137 serious injuries, causing motoring groups to call for greater moves to tackle the problem of illegal use of a mobile phone at the wheel. This follows a string of high-profile cases and other research showing how widespread the problem has become.
Director of the RAC foundation Steve Gooding said: “Even this big rise in fatalities is likely to be an under-reporting of the true scale of the problem which can be difficult for police to detect.
“It seems too many drivers still can’t resist picking up the mobile whilst at the wheel.
“Forget all the technological solutions, the best ‘drive safe’ mode is reached via one click of the power-off button.”
Penalties for using a mobile phone behind the wheel have doubled since March 1, with drivers facing a £200 fine and six points on their licence.
It has also been announced this month that the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving, which includes driving while using a mobile phone, will increase from 14 years imprisonment to life.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
