An expert has backed the continued use of AI cameras to crack down on the rising number of young people using their mobile phones at the wheel.
New data from the RAC found that 55 per cent of drivers under the age of 25 admit to making and receiving calls on public roads without using hands-free technology.
The proportion of young people using their phones behind the wheel is at its highest rate in eight years, despite laws being strengthened in recent years.
More than four in 10 younger motorists say they have listened to a voice note while driving, with 40 per cent saying they have recorded such a message.
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The new data has found that young people are the most likely to use their phones behind the wheel
DEVON AND CORNWALL POLICE
In comparison, the corresponding rates for the overall driving population are just 14 per cent and nine per cent respectively.
The Government first introduced rules to crack down on using phones behind the wheel 21 years ago, and closed a loophole two years ago which allowed motorists to escape punishment if they weren’t using the phone for “interactive communication”.
Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, described the data as “extremely concerning” that young people continue to flout the rules, despite the “zero tolerance” approach from authorities.
He added: “We suspect a major reason for this is drivers not believing they are likely to be caught.
“But hopefully, growing use of AI cameras which allow police to detect drivers breaking the law will get the message across that offenders will be caught and punished with six penalty points and a £200 fine.
“For young drivers who passed their tests in the last two years, this means losing their licences.”
Devon and Cornwall Police have trialled the UK’s first free-standing AI camera which caught almost 300 drivers in the first three years of it being in operation.
The vast majority of drivers (77 per cent) said they would like to see the widespread introduction of cameras designed to detect illegal phone use at the wheel.
Around 15 per cent of motorists across all groups admitted to checking messages on their phones, while one in 10 say they have written texts, emails or social media posts.
The research revealed that there has been a notable increase in drivers taking photos or videos. Eight per cent admitted to doing this in the past 12 months, compared to just five per cent in the two previous years.
One-fifth of motorists have identified using handheld devices behind the wheel as one of their most pressing motoring issues.
Nicholas Lyes, policy and standards director for IAM RoadSmart, said: “Using a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel is dangerous and unlawful, and could cost you or someone else their life.
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Drivers face a £200 fine and six penalty points if they use their phone at the wheel
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“Even a momentary distraction can be disastrous, and it is deeply concerning to see that an increasing number of young people are using their phones while driving – particularly to make a video or to take a photo.
“Almost one in five drivers killed on our roads are aged 17-24, so action needs to be taken, not just by the police, but by drivers themselves who hold a great deal of responsibility behind the wheel.”
