MORE than a quarter of drivers are still using hand-held mobile phones while driving, despite widespread public acceptance of the dangers and the forthcoming law change in December.

Research found that many drivers will answer a phone without a hands-free kit (16%) or read a text message (15%), and that less will call out themselves (9%). However, one in 10 send text messages while driving, with males between the age of 25 and 44 the most likely to use their phone.

In total, 27% of about 1,000 drivers polled admitted to using their phone on the move. The figures, revealed in a report by Continental Research, suggest that many drivers still need to be educated about the dangers of driving while using a mobile.

A spokesman for the firm said: 'Many cannot resist the temptation to answer the call or read the message. Actually turning off mobile phones while driving may be the only way to resist the urge to answer the phone.'

From December 1 it will be illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Offenders will be fined between £30 and £1,000 alongside three points on their driving licence.

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    Driving while using a mobile phone

    Answer a call without a hands-free kit 16%
    Read a text message 15%
    Write a text message 10%
    Make a call without a hands-free kit 9%
    Any of the above 27%
    Source: Continental Research

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