Nearly half of motorists admit using a phone while driving, despite risks

Road safety charity Brake said the high level of motorists using phones came despite the offence being introduced nine years ago.

Drivers caught using a handset face three penalty points added to their licence and a £60 fine, which the UK government says could increase to £100.

A poll by Brake and insurance firm Direct Line found 48 per cent of motorists chatted on the phone while driving – one in four at least once a week.

Two-thirds of those using their phones illegally used hand-held mobiles.

However, Brake stressed that even using a hands-free phone at the wheel could lengthen reaction times to a similar extent as alcohol, which it said significantly increased the risk of a devastating crash.

The poll also found that 44 per cent of young motorists and 27 per cent of older ones admitted to texting while driving.

Overall, men – 50 per cent – were more likely to use phones while driving than women, at 47 per cent.

A total of 21 per cent of young drivers e-mail, go online or use apps while at the wheel, compared with 9 per cent of older drivers.

Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: “Use a phone while driving and you are taking a horrendous risk with your own life and the lives of others.

“Many drivers who wouldn’t dream of drink-driving are using phones while driving, oblivious that the effect on your reaction times can be similar.

“We’re urging people to drive smart, recognising that phone use at the wheel can and does destroy lives.

“If you need to use your phone urgently, pull over somewhere safe first – it’s as simple as that.”

She went on: “We are also calling on the government to do more to tackle phone use at the wheel, including banning hands-free phones and bringing in far stiffer penalties.”

Andy Goldby of Direct Line added: “While it is legal to speak ‘hands-free’, it’s just as distracting for the driver.”