One in three drivers sends texts while behind wheel

CONCERNS are growing about the number of people who text, surf the internet or post messages on social networking sites while driving.

A study by the road safety charity Brake and Direct Line found that 30 per cent of drivers text while behind the wheel, with 8 per cent doing so at least once a week.

Unlike talking on a mobile phone, police say texting is harder to spot either by the naked eye or through cameras.

Chief Superintendent David O’Connor, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps), said: “This is something we are very concerned about.

“Technology allows people to use hands free, although even this causes some distraction when driving.

“However, it is absolutely extremely dangerous to text while driving.

“It’s a big issue and a big challenge. It’s difficult because police officers or cameras can spot people who are on the phone while behind the wheel, but texting is more covert and very difficult to detect.

“Even if someone is involved in an accident and has been texting before it is very difficult to see because police won’t check every mobile phone.”

Brake fears the UK will follow the pattern set in America, where studies have shown deaths caused by distracted driving had increased, with researchers putting this down to more drivers using smartphone technology.

A fifth of US crashes in 2009 involved “distracted driving”, with 18 per cent of those – 995 in total – involving phones.

Drivers using a hand-held devices were four times as likely to get into serious crashes.

Brake campaigns director Julie Townsend said: “People who text, use the web or social networking when driving are taking enormous risks with their own and other people’s lives. This kind of irresponsible behaviour is illegal and it kills, so there should be no excuses.

“We are concerned that the increasing uptake of this technology could lead to more crashes and casualties caused by distracted drivers, as is happening in the US.”

The findings came as a separate new survey, by the RAC, found that 48 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds used their phones while driving.

As many as 15 per cent of this age group tweeted – sent messages via Twitter – while behind the wheel, while 8 per cent admitted playing online games. Twenty-one per cent texted while driving, compared with 14 per cent in 2010.

RAC spokesman Adrian Tink said: “A driver using a hand-held mobile is still an all-too-common sight, and [a problem] that appears to be getting worse.”

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “Using a mobile phone whilst driving is against the law, it is irresponsible, and it puts lives at risk. The message to drivers is don’t take the risk.”