The deadly habit of one in five young drivers

A recent survey has uncovered a concerning trend among young drivers, revealing that more than two out of five are illegally using their phones while driving. The poll, conducted by the road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, involved 2,025 UK motorists and highlights the growing issue of smartphone distractions behind the wheel.

According to the findings, 43% of respondents aged 17-24 admitted to reading or sending messages while driving in the past year. This behavior is significantly higher compared to older age groups, with only 29% of drivers aged 35-44 and 10% of those aged 45-54 reporting similar actions. Additionally, one in six (16%) young drivers confessed to engaging in instant messaging during at least half of their journeys.

The survey also found that over a third (34%) of young drivers have used a handheld phone to take photos or record videos while driving. These activities pose serious risks to road safety and can lead to severe consequences.

Penalties for illegal phone use were doubled in March 2017, resulting in a £200 fine and six penalty points. IAM RoadSmart's analysis revealed that offenders may face additional costs, including legal fees, insurance increases, commuting expenses, and re-test costs, which could total up to £12,000.

Department for Transport (DfT) data shows that 154 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes where mobile phone use was a contributing factor in 2024. Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, emphasized the dangers of this behavior, stating that young drivers are not only risking their lives but also facing significant financial consequences.

Lyes added, “Even if the risk of a serious collision isn’t enough to deter this behavior, losing your license early on will stunt your employment chances, disrupt education, and put you at a financial disadvantage. It’s almost a decade since the penalties were increased for mobile-phone related driving offenses, and we would support raising the fine level again.”

A loophole that allowed drivers to avoid punishment for hand-held phone use if they were taking a photo or playing a game was closed by new legislation in March 2022. A DfT spokesperson stated, “Using a mobile phone has been a criminal offense since 2022. There are tough laws and penalties for anyone caught doing so. We are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads, with our Think! campaign targeting the root causes of dangerous driving.”

The survey, conducted by Online95 in September, involved 2,205 UK drivers. The Independent is known for its free-thinking approach, providing global news, commentary, and analysis for independently-minded readers. The organization continues to focus on making change happen through its trusted voice and commitment to positive impact.