More drivers using hand-held phones

By Kev Kiernan

An all-time high number of motorists are using their mobile phones while driving, according to Halfords.

A survey by the firm showed that, compared with last year, an extra one in four people admitted checking text messages on a hand-held phone while behind the wheel.

The number of motorists using social networking sites while driving has doubled and 29 per cent more make or receive phone calls while driving - seemingly ignoring the small print on their car insurance policy which says such an act would invalidate their cover.

Anyone caught using a hand-held mobile at the wheel can be fined £60 and have their licence endorsed with three points.

Around two-fifths of those polled have answered a call while driving in the past year and three in 10 made a call while driving, Halfords said.

A company spokesman said: "Smart phones are making it possible for more information to be received and shared on the go and some drivers are misusing this facility, putting themselves and other road users in danger.

"The only way to use a mobile phone legally and drive with due care and attention is to install a hands-free device in your car."