Driven to Distraction
2006 News
November 1st, 2006
* Almost 1 million drivers face driving ban under new law
* 43% of men and a quarter of women admit to still holding a mobile phone whilst driving
* 1/3rd of men say the new law won’t change their habits
New research* commissioned by The Carphone Warehouse has today revealed a staggering 43% of men admit to breaking the law by holding a mobile phone whilst driving. In comparison, 26% of women say they are still holding a mobile phone when at the wheel. These worrying statistics coincide with recent research by the Transport Research Laboratory which showed an unexpected rise by more than 50% in the number of motorists flouting the law in the last 18 months.
An update to the Road Safety Bill will soon see an increase in the penalty for driving and holding a mobile phone. Offenders will face 3 points being added to their license as well as doubling the on-the-spot fine to £60. YouGov findings have shown that a staggering 920,000 motorists risk being banned if caught holding their mobile phone whist driving once the new law comes into effect. Those photographed by a speed camera holding their mobile phone will receive 6 points, putting nearly 5 million drivers at the risk of losing their license.
Findings from The Carphone Warehouse YouGov research also found that men will continue to be the biggest offenders when the new law comes into effect. Whilst an encouraging 82% of women claimed the increased penalty would discourage them from dangerous driving holding a mobile phone, only 66% of men agreed, leaving over 5.5 million men at risk of facing the new penalty.
Andrew Harrison, UK CEO of The Carphone Warehouse, said: “It is our responsibility to encourage customers and employees to drive safely, it is imperative that we reduce the number of people currently driving and holding a mobile phone. Our message is simple: Hang-up or go hands free.”
To prepare drivers for the upcoming law change The Carphone Warehouse has currently discounted all in-car items, including hands-free kits, by 20%, offering people the best chance in changing their habits.
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com
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For further information please contact freud communications:
Tom Evans Alex Village
T: 020 7291 6319 T: 020 7291 6376
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Notes to Editors:
* * Research carried out by YouGov w/c 22nd October, questioning 2,016 UK adults
* The Carphone Warehouse awareness week is being held from 1st November with 20% off all in-car items
The Carphone Warehouse is the largest independent mobile phone retailer in the UK with over 700 stores The company is committed to offering impartial and expert advice on the widest range of the latest product plus unbeatable aftersales care.
* The Carphone Warehouse has this year been awarded:
o Retailer of the Year Award 2006(Retail Week Awards 2006)
o Innovative Employer of the Year Award (Retail Week Awards 2006)
o 6th place in The Sunday Times Best Big Companies to Work for (2006)
o Best Retailer (Mobile Choice Awards 2006 as voted by consumers)