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One in 12 drivers are still using their mobile phone while driving

Despite Garda initiatives to crack down on it, the figures have risen since last year.

ONE IN 12 drivers still use their mobile phone while driving despite stricter penalties being introduced this year.

A new survey by the Road Safety Authority shows that in 2013, one in 25 drivers were guilty of the offence, but this year, despite Garda detections on the rise, the figures have jumped to one in 12 in 2014 (8%).

Distraction 

When broken down, the figures show that men are more likely to use a mobile phone while driving, with 3% holding their phone in their hand, and 4% holding the mobile to their ear.

The study finds that 4% of women were observed holding the mobile in their hand while driving, while 5% of women held the mobile to their head.

Garda detections for using a mobile phone are up 16% this year, with the gardaí rolling out a nationwide crackdown.

Do you use your mobile phone when driving? 


Poll Results:

No, Never (1290)
Sometimes (1251)
Yes, all the time (432)

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Author
Christina Finn
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