26 February 2009
Mobile phone usage behind the wheel is still prevalent, according to new research.
Vehicle Recovery service the AA has calculated that there could be 100,000 motorists breaking a law at any one moment, which could affect the cost of their car insurance if they are found guilty.
The organisation worked this figure out by assuming there are ten million cars on the road and taking on board the government's prediction that one per cent of drivers get behind the wheel while using mobile handsets.
Edmund King, the AA's President, claimed that there are a number of dangers and consequences of using such technology while driving.
"The ultimate danger is death and consequences can be anything from jail, penalty points to a driving ban and higher insurance premiums," he explained.
Mark Monterio, uSwitch car insurance expert, said: "Driving with a mobile phone is dangerous and this has been reflected in the decision to increase the levels of punishment that can be handed down by the courts.
"Car insurance companies have also started to recognise this and could now treat this offence with the same severity as drink driving. Police may also have the right to view your mobile phone records to see whether or not it was in use immediately prior to any accident."