Has texting replaced talking while driving?
Almost half of Britain’s drivers regularly text and drive, according to new research.
Only 11% of drivers turn off their phones or switch them to mute and 45% of UK drivers write text messages behind the wheel, the survey by the RAC Foundation revealed.
Young motorists are more likely to text and the levels of texting and driving highest in London (53%), and Manchester (50%), and lowest in Aberdeen (31%), Edinburgh (36%), Bristol (36%) and Glasgow (38%).
Elizabeth Dainton, Research Development Manager for the RAC Foundation, said: ‘The survey clearly demonstrates that a large proportion of UK drivers are breaking the law by texting and driving.
‘Many young people may not be aware that it is illegal to text and drive and how it places them and other road users in potential danger.
‘Urgent action is needed to address this increasing problem, especially as the 'Y' generation, who have grown up with technology and computers, begin to take to the road.’