Almost one in five drivers between 17 and 24 admit to having taken video calls while at the wheel, according to a report by the RAC. The data also found 13% of drivers aged 25 to 44 have done the same, and a shocking 9% of 17 to 24 year olds admit to playing games on their mobile phones while driving.
The worrying statistics emerged in the RAC’s annual report on motoring which surveys 3,068 drivers on a host of driving-related issues. It also found 32% of people cite other road users using their phones as a major concern, while 79% of those surveyed said they would like to see cameras deployed to catch those who do it. Yet 29% admitted making or taking a call while driving.
RAC road safety spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Our figures highlight what many drivers already know – that the problem of illegal phone use at the wheel has far from disappeared.
“While there’s been a reduction in some elements of this dangerous activity, more people say they are making and taking calls now than at any point since 2016, shortly before tougher penalties were introduced. And the rise in the popularity of video calls means this type of communication represents a new, clear and present danger on the UK’s roads in 2020.”
Keyword: Almost one in five young drivers make video calls while driving