New statistics reveal a troubling surge in the number of UK motorists engaging in illegal phone use while driving, marking the highest figures seen in eight years. Data from the Home Office indicates that in 2024, a staggering 40,723 individuals in England and Wales were convicted for using handheld devices behind the wheel, a significant increase from previous years.
A Dangerous Trend
Recent research commissioned by the RAC has shed light on this alarming trend, with a survey of 2,238 drivers revealing that 15 per cent admitted to using their phones for activities beyond voice calls, such as browsing the internet, texting, or posting on social media while driving. This figure matches the peak observed in 2018, following a decline to a mere 7 per cent in 2021.
Even more concerning is the finding that 9 per cent of respondents reported watching or recording videos, or even livestreaming, while driving in the past 12 months. This represents a notable increase from just 5 per cent in 2024 and is particularly prevalent among younger drivers. The proportion of those under 25 engaging in such risky behaviours has risen from 23 per cent last year to 27 per cent this year.
Young Drivers at Higher Risk
The statistics highlight a worrying trend among young drivers, who are far more likely to engage in illegal phone use. Nearly half (49 per cent) of those aged under 25 admitted to taking calls without a hands-free kit, while an alarming 39 per cent confessed to typing messages or social media posts while navigating the roads.
Interestingly, the only area of illegal phone use that has seen a decrease is the act of making or receiving voice calls without hands-free technology—20 per cent of respondents admitted to this compared to 27 per cent in 2024 and 23 per cent in 2019. While this decline appears positive, experts warn that it has merely shifted the dangerous behaviour to even riskier activities.
The Fatal Consequences
According to the latest figures from the Department for Transport, 21 fatalities were recorded on British roads in 2024 where mobile phone use was identified as a contributory factor. These statistics underscore the grave risks posed by distracted driving, particularly as illegal phone use continues to rise.
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, expressed his concerns, stating, “There’s been a marked increase in the proportion of drivers – especially the young – admitting to using handheld mobile phones behind the wheel for all sorts of risky activities, including posting on social media and even livestreaming. The penalties if caught might be tougher now than they were in the past, but they clearly aren’t enough to stop a lot of drivers brazenly using their phones illegally.”
Adding to the chorus of concern, Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, noted, “The rise in illegal handheld mobile phone use is deeply concerning, particularly among younger drivers where usage is significantly above average. Whether checking messages, filming, or using apps, these behaviours take attention away from the road at critical moments. This is not a minor lapse in judgment. It is dangerous, reckless behaviour that puts everyone at risk and must be challenged through education and enforcement.”
A Real-World Example
The implications of this trend were recently highlighted in a court case involving Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was stopped by police for watching a video on his phone while driving along the M6. The 25-year-old Georgian international was subsequently convicted at Warrington Combined Court for using a handheld mobile phone while operating a vehicle.
Why it Matters
The rise in illegal phone use while driving is not merely a statistic; it represents a serious threat to road safety that impacts everyone. As more young drivers embrace risky behaviours, the potential for accidents increases, endangering lives and leading to tragic consequences. It is imperative that authorities intensify their efforts in both education and enforcement to combat this perilous trend, fostering a culture of responsible driving that prioritises the safety of all road users.
