A new survey has found that over two in five young drivers are still reading or sending messages while driving.
Researchers say many inexperienced drivers “struggle to detach themselves” from their phones, with social media use, texting and even video calling still common on the road.
According to the poll, 43% of drivers aged 17–24 admitted to reading or writing a message while driving in the past year. This compares with 29% of drivers aged 35–44 and just 10% of those aged 45–54. One in six young drivers said they send instant messages during at least half of their journeys, and 34% admitted to using a handheld phone to take photos or record videos.
Department for Transport figures show that mobile phone use was a factor in crashes that killed or seriously injured 154 people last year.
IAM RoadSmart, which carried out the survey of 2,025 motorists, said too many young drivers are “dicing with death”. The findings come as more AI-powered roadside cameras are rolled out to catch drivers using their phones.
Penalties for illegal phone use doubled in 2017 to a £200 fine and six penalty points. For new drivers, who can only accumulate six points within two years of passing their test, being caught could mean losing their licence entirely.
Recent legal changes have also closed loopholes, making it an offence to touch a phone while driving or even while stopped in traffic, except for limited situations such as contactless payments at tolls and drive-throughs, or calling emergency services when it’s unsafe to pull over.
The charity warned that even drivers who avoid losing their licence face steep financial consequences. A typical 19-year-old male receiving a CU80 mobile phone offence could face over £10,600 in extra insurance costs, nearly £700 in alternative travel expenses, and more than £800 in refresher lessons, test fees and fines. In total, that’s comparable to a year’s university tuition, a decent used car, or several all-inclusive holidays.
Police forces consider mobile phone use one of the “fatal four” dangerous driving behaviours. IAM RoadSmart said it would support higher fines to deter young drivers, suggesting penalties that match the cost of a new smartphone - potentially around £1,000.
The Department for Transport says it remains committed to reducing deaths and injuries on UK roads. Its upcoming Road Safety Strategy is expected to propose new rules, including mandatory eye tests every three years for drivers over 70, stricter drink-drive limits, tougher enforcement against uninsured drivers, and harsher penalties for failing to wear a seatbelt.
