DANGER: Mobile use always risks lives
One in 14 motorists are putting themselves and others at huge risk by taking ‘selfies’ at the wheel, research has revealed.
Confused.com statistics show 7% have admitted to taking a photograph while driving, with 4% using popular social media app Snapchat to send such images to friends.
The price comparison website also discovered that in a recent 30-day period, 287 tweets were tagged with #drivingselfie and #drivingselfies.
Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) claim the findings are‘worrying’.
Neil Greig, Director of Policy at the IAM, said: “Research shows that it is simply not possible to use a mobile phone in any way whilst driving and stay safe no matter how confident you may be in your driving ability.
“The IAM want to see more traffic police out there catching bad drivers but this survey would seem to suggest not even that will stop those addicted to using their smartphones.”
Neil Greig, IAM
“This seems to be another form of peer pressure to take part in the latest trend and the best way to avoid it is to give young people the skills to stand up for themselves and not follow the herd and post silly photographs online.
“It is also really worrying that many drivers caught using a phone are not learning the lesson.
“The IAM want to see more traffic police out there catching bad drivers but this survey would seem to suggest not even that will stop those addicted to using their smartphones.”
Figures also show 36% of motorists admit to using their mobile phone when driving, with a shocking 75% making or answering calls and 43% sending or checking texts.
However, just 8% have actually been caught by police using their phone behind the wheel, with an incredible 57% of those admitting the conviction failed to change their behaviour.
