Recent statistics paint a troubling picture of UK road safety, revealing that the number of motorists caught using handheld mobile phones while driving has surged to its highest level in eight years. Official data from the Home Office indicates that 40,723 individuals were convicted in England and Wales for this offence in 2024, a staggering increase that highlights a growing trend of dangerous behaviour behind the wheel.
Rising Figures Signal Disturbing Trend
A new survey commissioned by the RAC sheds further light on the issue, revealing that 15 per cent of drivers confessed to engaging in risky activities such as browsing the internet, texting, or posting on social media while driving. This alarming figure has returned to its 2018 peak, after dipping to a low of just 7 per cent in 2021.
Even more concerning is the revelation that nearly 9 per cent of respondents—equivalent to one in eleven—admitted to watching, recording, or livestreaming videos while driving over the past year. This behaviour is particularly prevalent among younger drivers; the percentage of those under 25 partaking in such activities has risen from 23 per cent in 2024 to 27 per cent in 2026.
Young Drivers at Greater Risk
Young motorists are significantly more likely to engage in illegal phone use. The RAC’s findings show that nearly half (49 per cent) of respondents aged under 25 have received a call without using a hands-free device, while 39 per cent admitted to typing messages or social media posts while behind the wheel.
Interestingly, the only form of illegal phone use that has seen a decline this year is making or receiving voice calls without a hands-free system. The proportion of drivers admitting to this has fallen from 27 per cent in 2024 to 20 per cent in 2026. While this decrease could be seen as a positive development, it raises concerns that those who are shifting away from voice calls are merely substituting them with even more hazardous activities.
The Dangers on Our Roads
Recent figures from the Department for Transport reveal a grim reality: 21 individuals lost their lives in road accidents in 2024 where using a mobile phone was a contributing factor. These statistics underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement regarding mobile phone use while driving.
Rod Dennis, the RAC’s senior policy officer, expressed concern about the rising trend, particularly among younger drivers. “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,” he stated. “While the penalties for such actions may be tougher now than in the past, they evidently aren’t enough to deter many drivers from ignoring the law.”
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who leads the National Police Chiefs’ Council for roads policing, echoed Dennis’s sentiments. “The rise in illegal handheld mobile phone use is deeply concerning, particularly among younger drivers where usage is significantly above average,” she remarked. “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 recent court case involving Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili serves as a prominent reminder of the consequences of such actions. The 25-year-old was stopped by police for watching a video on his phone while driving on the M6, ultimately leading to his conviction for using a handheld mobile phone while operating a vehicle.
Why it Matters
The surge in illegal phone use among UK drivers not only poses a serious threat to road safety but also highlights a cultural shift in how we interact with technology while driving. As mobile phones become increasingly integral to our daily lives, the risks associated with their use behind the wheel cannot be overstated. This trend calls for a concerted effort from both law enforcement and the public to address the dangers of distracted driving, safeguarding not only the lives of those behind the wheel but also everyone sharing the road.
