23 September 2010
1 in 20 Drivers Observed using their Mobile Phones While Driving
93,525 Penalty Points Issued for Mobile Phone Offences to Date
An observational study(PDF) of hand-held mobile phone use by drivers, which was conducted by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), has revealed that as many as 1 in every 20 drivers are using their hand-held mobile phone while driving.
The results, published today 23rd September 2010, also found a marked variation by area in the number of drivers using a hand-held mobile phone while driving with both Cork City and Maynooth, Co. Kildare and its surrounds showing greater levels of mobile phone use than other areas surveyed.
Over 1 in 10 drivers (12%) in Cork were observed using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, representing the highest level of mobile phone use among all drivers, and twice the national average.
Following publication of the report, Mr Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority, appealed to drivers to be aware of the risks associated with using a mobile phone while driving:
“The results of this study are extremely worrying, particularly when we know that you are 4 times more likely to crash if you use a hand held mobile phone while driving. We also know that the results understate the true extent of the problem as the study did not capture those texting while driving or those using a hands-free kit. In fact, research tells us that using a hands-free mobile phone is no safer than using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.*
“While you might think you can drive safely while using your mobile phone, this is simply not the case. By continuing to use your mobile phone while driving, you are risking your life, the lives of your passengers and the lives of others. And no phonecall is worth that risk. Our advice is simple - switch off before you drive off,” said Mr Brett.
Other significant observations included:
- Over 1 in 10 drivers (12%) observed in Cork were using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, representing the highest level of non-compliance among all drivers in all locations surveyed, and twice the national average;
- 9% of drivers observed in Maynooth and its surrounds were observed driving while holding a mobile phone;
- In two separate sites in Maynooth and Cork, almost 1 in 5 (16%) drivers were observed using their hand-held mobile phone while driving;
- The rate of mobile phone use recorded in Limerick was 7%;
- Both Galway and Dublin recorded a 4% hand held mobile phone use;
- The lowest levels of using a mobile phone while driving were observed among drivers in Drogheda and Dundalk at 3% and Athlone with just 2% non-compliance observed.
Mobile phone use while driving became a penalty point offence in September 2006. Since then, a total of 93,525 offences have been recorded up to 31st August 2010. It is now the second highest penalty point offence in Ireland after speeding. This represents an increase of almost 16,000 in just 12 months since 31st August 2009.
Assistant Commissioner, John Twomey, Garda National Traffic Bureau, An Garda Síochána emphasised the importance of driver compliance at all times with road traffic legislation on mobile phones:
“Simply put, it is unsafe and illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. An Garda Síochána is committed to reducing the numbers of people risking their safety and the safety of others by committing this road traffic offence. If caught, a driver must pay a fixed charge notice of €60 and will incur two penalty points. If a driver does not pay the fixed charge and is convicted in court, four penalty points and a fine of up to €2,000 will be applied.”
The RSA study, conducted in 2009 at 45 locations in seven counties across Ireland, recorded whether a driver was observed using a hand held mobile phone while driving. Of 33,949 drivers observed, 1,964 were using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, representing over 1 in 20 drivers (6%). To remind drivers of the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone, the RSA will be targeting drivers at the ‘point of danger’ i.e. while driving in their vehicles by airing its 30 second radio ad ‘Switch Off, Before You Drive Off’.
The campaign runs on national and local radio. In addition, an information leaflet called ‘Mobile Phones and Driving’ can be found here(PDF).
Read the findings of the Mobile Phone Survey(PDF)
Visit the Mobile Phones and Driving campaign page
ENDS For further information:
RSA Communications Office: 096 25008
Notes to Editor:
1) Mobile Phones and Driving – Advice to Drivers
The RSA has the following advice for drivers:
- Switch off before you drive off. Turn off your mobile phone or put it on the ‘silent’ or ‘meeting’ option setting before starting your journey;
- Use the voicemail on your mobile phone so people can leave messages for you while you’re travelling;
- Stop regularly on your journey so you can check for messages and return any calls;
- Make sure the place you stop is a legal and safe place to park. It is illegal to stop on a motorway unless it is an emergency;
- If you call someone on their mobile phone while they are driving, be aware that they should be concentrating on their driving and not on your conversation. Tell them you will call them back or wait until they pull their car over.
2) References
* Redelemeir, D. A., & Tibshirani, R. J. (1997). Association between cellular telephone calls and motor vehcile crashes. The New England Journal of Medicine , 363, 453-458.