Work drivers twice as likely to break law

News | HSP
28.02.2008

At-work drivers are more than twice as likely as other drivers to use hand-held mobile phones while driving, according to new research.

A survey of 4,640 drivers carried out by road-safety charity Brake and insurer Green Flag found that 11% of at-work drivers break the law at least once a week by using a hand-held phone, compared with 5% of other drivers.

The research also revealed that 15% of people who drive for work eat a meal while on the move at least once a week, compared with 4% of other drivers.

Brake is calling on the government to make the use of hands-free mobile phones while driving illegal, citing research that suggests it is the distraction of the conversation that poses the risk, not holding the phone.

The charity also highlighted research that suggests a simple task such as eating a bag of crisps while driving can slow down reaction times by 29%.

Brake is urging employers to make sure they instruct employees who drive for work never to eat or take calls while at the wheel.

Cathy Keeler, head of campaigns for Brake, said: "Crazy multi-tasking while driving causes deaths and injuries. Drivers must plan regular breaks on long journeys to allow time to eat and make phone calls, as well as to ensure they aren't driving tired. Driving is the most dangerous activity that most of us do on a daily basis. No-one would dream of snacking on a sarnie or picking up the phone while using a chain saw or doing any other safety-critical job - and we mustn't when driving."