Yahoo News Taxi drivers three times more likely to use mobile phones at the wheel than regular drivers
Taxi drivers are three times more likely to use mobile phones at the wheel than regular drivers, according to an official study.
A statistical release from the Department for Transport, published on February 7, found that in 2017 the highest proportion of drivers using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving was taxi or private hire vehicle drivers, at 3.3% – 2.1% holding a phone to their ear, and 1.2% holding it in their hand.
That contrasted with 1% of car drivers found to be using a mobile phone.
According to the data, 2.1% of van drivers and 1% of bus, coach or minibus drivers use a mobile phone while driving.
The lowest proportion of drivers who use mobile whilst driving was goods vehicle or lorry drivers, at 0.6%, the figures showed.
The release said the higher rate for taxi drivers was mostly driven by a higher rate in Scotland, which was based on a relatively small sample, and said caution should be used when interpreting the figures.
The study suggests that the number of drivers using their phone at the wheel has fallen – possibly thanks to tougher penalties.
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In March 2017, fines for using a mobile phone whilst driving increased to £200 and six penalty points, with a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if driving a lorry or bus) if the case goes to court.
According to the survey, the proportion of motorists caught using their mobile while driving fell to 0.6% in England and Wales – almost two-thirds down on the 1.6% from the previous study in 2014.
Younger drivers were also more likely to commit the offence, particularly at rush hour, the figures suggest.
When it comes to using their mobile at ‘stationary sites’ like junctions and traffic lights, 4% of 17 to 29-year-olds were caught, compared to 2.1% of all motorists.
Motorists were also most likely to use their phone at the wheel in the evening rush hour, the research found.
