Industry News from Yes Insurance

Motorists using hand-held mobile phones are more likely to be deterred by disapproving glances than by legal penalties, a survey by Car Parts Direct shows.

It seems that the prospect of prosecution is ineffective compared to other motorists' reactions for the 58 per cent of drivers who say they feel intimidated by other drivers when using their phone.

Mark Cornwall of Car Parts Direct commented: "The prospect of a prison sentence for a motorist in the event of an accident has not been enough to encourage some drivers to use a hands free kit."

But the "stern stare of displeasure" of fellow motorists who condemn this anti-social behaviour could be enough, he added.

The causes of road accidents are not recorded, but the Department of Transport has identified at least 19 deaths caused by drivers' mobile phone use between 1988 and 2003.

Car insurance claims are likely to fall if mounting peer pressure drives motorists to put down their mobile phones and keep their hands on the wheel.

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