Young People More Likely To Use Their Phones At The Wheel

Drivers under 25 are more likely to take and make phone calls while driving than other age groups, according to a new survey.

A poll, conducted by driving safety charity Brake, found that 17-24 year olds took more work, family and social calls than older age groups.

A thousand drivers across the UK were asked whether they had spoken on the phone while driving in the last year, either using a hand-held or hands-free set. Those who said yes were asked who they had called.

A massive 49% of young drivers said they’d taken work calls while driving, compared to the average of 17% for all age groups.

Meanwhile 35% of the younger age group said they’d taken family phone calls at the wheel (compared to 23% of all ages) and 21% said they’d chatted with friends (compared to 15% overall).

Using a handset at the wheel is illegal in the UK but hands-free kits allow drivers to make calls legally - although Brake is campaigning for this option to be banned as well, saying that even though your hands are not distracted by the call, your mind is.

(picture credit: Isopix/Rex Shutterstock)