Put the Phone Down
Eight in 10 drivers back tougher phone enforcement as research highlights distraction risks
Eight in 10 UK drivers support stricter enforcement of mobile phone use while driving.
That’s according to new research highlighting the widespread use of hands-free calls, despite most motorists acknowledging the distraction risk.
Mobile phone use behind the wheel, even when hands-free, is as dangerous as drink-driving.
Dring dring
A survey of 2,000 drivers, conducted by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover, found that 60% of motorists take voice calls while driving, with one in five doing so often or always.
Meanwhile, 11% say they take video calls at least sometimes, underscoring the growing role of in-car connectivity.
These revelations come despite high awareness of the dangers.
While 68% of drivers admit voice calls are distracting, this figure rises to 87% for video calls.
Despite this, 94% of those who take calls say they feel confident their in-car setup allows them to drive safely while talking on the phone.
Most respondents who use phones while driving rely on built-in systems such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth (67%), while 12% use dashboard-mounted phones in speaker mode.
Dial it down
Public appetite for stronger action appears to be growing.
Four in five drivers (80%) support stricter enforcement, with nearly half (49%) strongly supporting tougher measures.
Among the most popular proposals were:
- Harsher penalties when phone use contributes to a crash (53%)
- Increased fines (50%)
- Additional penalty points (44%)
- Automatic licence suspension for repeat offenders (42%)
- More consistent enforcement with fewer warnings (42%)
A significant minority also backed technology-based interventions, including mandatory “driving mode” restrictions on phones while vehicles are moving (34%) and limiting access to certain apps in vehicles unless they are stationary (32%).
The findings suggest tension between modern communication habits and road safety expectations, as many drivers feel pressure to remain constantly connected.
Pick up
The research identified several reasons for answering calls while driving:
- Hands-free technology makes calls easier and more convenient (39%)
- Calls being perceived as too important or urgent to ignore (37%)
- Pressure from family members to respond immediately (21%)
- Fitting calls around other commitments (20%)
- Concern about missing time-sensitive matters (16%)
Despite these motivations, road safety experts stress that hands-free systems do not eliminate distraction.
Cognitive attention remains divided during conversations, which can affect reaction time and hazard perception.
Research consistently shows that mobile phone use significantly increases crash risk.
Studies by transport safety organisations have found that drivers using a phone are far more likely to miss critical hazards, with reaction times in some experiments and highly regarded research comparable to those of drivers at the legal alcohol limit.
The World Health Organisation has identified distracted driving as a major global road safety risk, estimating that distraction contributes to a substantial proportion of collisions worldwide.
In the UK, government data has repeatedly highlighted mobile phone use as a factor in serious road incidents, particularly among younger drivers.
Despite the research and the crash statistics, the government still refuses to put any laws in place to prevent the use of hands-free mobile phones whilst driving.
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Under existing law, it is illegal to hold and use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
Offenders face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six penalty points on their licence.
Repeat offences can lead to disqualification.
The rules apply even when stopped at traffic lights or in congestion, unless the vehicle is safely parked.
Using a phone in a hands-free capacity is permitted, but drivers must remain in proper control of the vehicle at all times.
Claire Wills-McKissick, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said enforcement exists “for a reason”.
“While hands-free technology allows drivers to legally take calls without holding their phone, it does not remove the risk of distraction,” she said. “Conversations can still divert attention away from the road, even with both hands on the wheel. The safest option is always to pull over in a safe place before taking or making a call.”
She added that even brief distractions can compromise reaction times and decision-making, warning that “a momentary lapse in concentration can have serious, even life-changing consequences.”
Engaged tone
The survey suggests increasing public openness to stronger measures, including technology-led solutions.
Some road safety campaigners have previously called for tougher enforcement, while others argue education and behavioural change must accompany penalties.
With mobile phone use remaining common despite widespread awareness of its risks, policymakers face ongoing debate over how best to balance connectivity with safety.
As vehicles become more digitally integrated, experts say clear rules and consistent enforcement will remain central to reducing distraction-related collisions on UK roads.
