According to research undertaken by easytrip, which involved monitoring more than 1,000 vehicles during peak commute times, of those one in ten motorists who were observed breaking the law in relation to mobile phone use, more than half (53%) were texting/checking their mobile phone while driving or stationary at traffic lights
The others were speaking on their hand-held phone whilst driving or waiting in traffic, and some drivers were committing both offences.
More males (63%) than females (37%) were observed breaking the law. The most common violation for men was talking on their hand-held mobile phone while driving (41%) whereas the most prevalent for women was checking or texting on their mobile phone while stopped at traffic lights (39%).
The easytrip research also showed a significant number of trucks and vans drivers, mostly male, were talking on a hand-held phone while driving.
Middle-aged people (40-50 age group) were more likely to be caught talking on the phone while younger drivers (20s and 30s) appear more likely to text or check their phones while driving.
Talking on the phone or texting increases your chance of an accident by up to four times, according to independent research. From August 1st, penalty points for holding a mobile phone while driving increase from 2 to 3 points, with a fixed-charge of €60 that can lead to a possible €2,000 fine on conviction.
