Hands-free hazard

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As a wrist-watch that can be used to make mobile calls and send text messages arrives on the UK market, figures reveal that 41 per cent of motorists2 think the use of hands-free kits should be banned, despite these currently being legal.

Although approximately 16 million motorists3 regularly make hands-free calls whilst driving, research commissioned by esure car insurance reveals that nearly half (48 per cent) of motorists polled believe that users of hands-free kits are needlessly putting their own and other motorists' safety at risk.

For over a third of motorists, it is just too difficult to resist the lure of exciting new technologies and mobile devices; 37 per cent4 of those surveyed find it hard to ignore mobile alerts while driving.

The figures have been released as the latest addition to the hands-free market hits UK stores - an LG mobile phone, which is worn as a wrist-watch and enables the user to make voice and video calls and send and receive text messages using a touch-screen.

Despite the already widespread nature of legal hands-free technology on sale in England and Wales, 2,986 motorists were prosecuted in 20075 for failing to have proper control of their vehicle while being distracted by hands-free phone calls.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure car insurance, said: "Advances in technology mean that 'James Bond' style gadgets such as the new LG watch are becoming increasingly commonplace. Although the use of hands-free communication kits is legal, arguably it's going to be hard to ignore a wrist-watch phone that is so visible when your hands are on the wheel. Any new and all-too-tempting distraction that may compromise the concentration of motorists should be avoided as motorists need to have full control of their vehicle at all times."

Previous research6 by TRL also proves that drivers using phones are four times more likely to have an accident.

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esure's press contacts:

For further information please contact the esure press office at Mischief PR on 020 7100 9999 or email esure@mischiefpr.com

An ISDN line is available for radio interviews

Notes to Editors:

  1. T3: LG watch phone to launch this August in UK
  2. Almost half = 41 per cent. esure used the independent online research company FlyResearch who surveyed 1,000 of the UK's motorists, from across the country aged 18 and over between 20th and 23rd February 2009. Interviews were conducted across the UK via an online questionnaire. Fly Research is an online market research company. Its researchers are members of the MRS and Esomar, and abide by their guidelines. Further information at www.flyresearch.com
  3. 16.4 million is an estimation based on 49 per cent of the total UK motoring population based on DfT Transport Statistics - 33,522,106 motor vehicles currently licensed 2006. This is a projected figure based on the 1,000 motorists surveyed.
  4. esure used the independent online research company FlyResearch who surveyed 1,000 of the UK's motorists, from across the country aged 18 and over, on 2nd April 2009.
  5. A survey of police forces in England and Wales indicates that the following numbers of people were issued with a fixed penalty notice or taken to court for mobile phone offences: Hand-held phone offences 169,614 in 2006 and 185,639 in 2007. Failing to have proper control offences (used to deal with those distracted by a hands-free phone) 5,061 in 2006 and 2,986 in 2007. Total 174,675 for 2006 and 188,625 in 2007. Official Home Office figures for 2004 and 2005 show 74,754 and 128,549 prosecutions for the hand-held phone offence only.
  6. Research carried out by TRL: http://www.trl.co.uk

Useful information:

Motorist prosecutions who have caused accidents while talking on hands-free kits:

Telegraph: Businesswoman faces prosecution after crashing while talking on hands-free kit

Mail Online: Hands-free phone driver convicted of causing death by dangerous driving

Using a hand held mobile phone while driving was made illegal in December 2003. Section 26 of the Road Safety Act 2006 increased the fixed penalty for drivers using a hand held phone or similar device from 27 February 2007. The penalty rose from £30 to £60 and three penalty points. The same changes were made to the penalties for not having proper control of a vehicle - a measure which can be used where a driver has been distracted by using a hands-free mobile phone. If the police or the driver chooses to take a case to court rather than use a fixed penalty notice, the penalty on conviction is three points, discretionary disqualification and a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches).

About esure:

esure was launched in 2001. The company offers car, home, pet and travel insurance over the internet and by phone. esure also offers car insurance cover through the brands Halifax, Sainsbury's, Sheilas' Wheels and more recently home insurance through the Sheilas' Wheels brand.

Sponsorship:

esure has secured two of the UK's most iconic sponsorships: the ITV National and Channel 4 Weather bulletins.