Industry News from Yes Insurance

The number of motorists using a mobile phone while driving is increasing, according to figures from the Department for Transport.

Statistics show that since the use of a handheld phone while behind the wheel was made illegal, more people are doing it and fewer have hands-free kits.

The figures have led to campaigners calling for more to be done to prevent people committing the crime and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says the severity of the offence needs to be highlighted.

"What we need to do is make it an unacceptable crime in the same way that drink-driving is, because we do know that this does cost people their lives," Roger Vincent of the RoSPA told BBC One's Breakfast programme.

"I think last year the figures showed 13 people were killed where it was directly attributable to mobile phones, but of course there may be many more because you can never be exactly certain."

At present, people caught using their mobile phone while driving are given a £30 fine. This figure will rise to £60 next year and drivers could receive three penalty points on their licence.

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