UK motor insurance news
03/05/2007

Study highlights possible effect of mobile use on cheap car insurance quotes

Research from Hertfordshire has revealed the effects of using a hand held mobile while driving on braking distances, as well as what this could mean for future cheap car insurance quotes.

Employees from a range of large companies in Hertfordshire participated in the study, which was carried out on a computer driving simulator.

When drivers were asked to perform an emergency stop when they were not on a mobile, the average stopping distance was found to be 28 metres. However, this jumped up dramatically to an average of 68 metres when participants were using a hand held mobile.

Worryingly, 20% of people involved in the study took more than 100 metres to stop, with four even reaching the 200 metre mark while chatting on a mobile.

A Hertfordshire councillor said: "The tests clearly demonstrate the serious impact that using a hand-held phone has on driving.

"In an emergency situation most of the tested drivers would not have been able to stop in time to avoid a collision or a pedestrian, simple because they were distracted by their mobile phone.

"The only way to stay safe is to switch off before you drive off," he advised.

Since February 2007, drivers have faced increased penalties for driving whilst using a hand-held mobile phone. These include a £60 fine and three penalty points, which may well have an impact on cheap car insurance quotes.

However, it is not yet known how much motor insurance companies will increase their rates for those who are convicted of this offence.

 

 

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