A new study has shown that using smartphones while driving is even more dangerous than driving under the effects of alcohol and cannabis.
The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has published new research that highlights the risks that high tech devices can have on UK motorists.
According to findings from the report, 8% of British drivers (3.5 million) use their smartphones for email and social networking whilst at the wheel. Yet figures reveal that doing so is even more risky than drink driving or driving whilst high on cannabis.
Facts and figures
The survey also revealed that those who were sending and receiving Facebook messages whilst driving had their reaction times slowed by 38% and often missed key events happening on the road. In addition, these drivers were unable to maintain a central lane position and to respond quickly to the car in front changing speed.
Overall, the study concluded that using a smartphone for social networking slowed reaction times by 37.6%, texting slowed it by 37.4% and a hands-free mobile phone conversation decreased the reaction times by 26.5%.
When compared to other substances also worsening drivers' skills, the report indicated that the use of technological devices is actually more negative than the use of certain drugs.
In comparison to the figures mentioned above, it was found that cannabis slows reaction time by 21%, alcohol (above the UK driving limit but below 100mg per 100ml of blood) slows reaction time by 6-15% and alcohol at the legal limit decreased it by 12.5%.
Commenting on the findings IAM chief executive, Simon Best said:
"This research shows how incredibly dangerous using smartphones while driving is, yet unbelievably it is a relatively common practice.
"If you're taking your hand off the wheel to use the phone, reading the phone display and thinking about your messages, then you're simply not concentrating on driving. It's antisocial networking and it's more dangerous than drink driving and it must become just as socially unacceptable."
