March 26, 2012

Motorists Continue To Flout Mobile Phone Rules


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The number of motorists caught using handheld devices while driving increased by 42% last year, according to research.

The number of motorists caught using handheld devices while driving increased by 42% last year, according to research from car insurance comparison websites. Once caught you will be awarded a CU80 conviction on your licence. Be Aware! – this is one conviction that Insurance Companies do not like, and although we can cover offenders using our Convicted Driver car insurance, getting 2 or more CU80s can be very problematical.

Although an increase in the number of convictions is not a surprise in itself, due to increasingly rigid government legislation and police enforcement, the fact that the convictions are still increasing at a rate of approximately 18% month-on-month suggests apathy among motorists.

This suggestion of public apathy is supported by research which was undertaken by the site last year, before the government’s clamp down on mobile phone use by motorists, which revealed that more than 1 in 2 of those surveyed had seen another motorist texting and almost 1 in 3 (30%) had been the culprit of texting themselves – a claim which suggests that old habits die hard. If you are unlucky enough to get a conviction then please do call us for your Convicted driver car insurance.

However, it is hoped that adding points to motorists’ licenses, coupled with the fines which motorists with CU80s – the technical name for the conviction resulting from using handheld devices while driving – will endure should increasingly act as deterrents, as should the rise in car insurance premiums.

The site’s analysis shows that one of the consequences of penalty points is steep rises in insurance premiums. On average, a driver with three points can expect premiums to leap by up to 10%, rising to 25% for six points and 50% for nine points. Worse still, the number of insurers willing to provide cover for a motorist with nine points can halve. Our rates are often far better though so please contact us for Convicted Driver car insurance and benefit from our exclusive schemes.

A spokeswoman said: “The findings of this research are alarming as, despite harsher penalties and stronger police enforcement, some motorists are clearly continuing to use mobile phones while driving.

“Although many drivers feel that they can safely respond to a text message, while staying in control of their vehicle, it is important to remember that no driver is infallible – taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, is ill-advised! The message is simple: never use a mobile phone while driving, unless you have a hands-free kit. Nothing is worth posing a threat to yourself and fellow drivers. In addition, you won’t risk driving your insurance premiums up unnecessarily.”

Please follow this link for Convicted Driver car insurance.