One-third of drivers admit using mobile phones while driving

The RAC has released the results of a survey which found that nearly a third (31 per cent) of motorists said they used a handheld phone behind the wheel against the law compared with 8 per cent in 2014.

The number of drivers who said they sent a message or posted on social media rose from 7 per cent to 19 per cent, while 14 per cent said they had taken a photograph or video while driving.

The RAC surveyed just over 1,700 UK motorists. The vehicle breakdown organisation said the use of handheld mobiles was “the biggest road safety concern among motorists today”.

It believes a drop in full-time dedicated roads policing officers in England and Wales - excluding London - between 2010 and 2015 means drivers do not fear they will be caught for offences not detected by automatic cameras.

Anyone caught using a hand-held phone while driving or riding will automatically be fined £100 and have three penalty points put on their licence. If the case goes to court, they could be disqualified from driving and get a maximum fine of £1,000. 

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