SHOCKING figures released today reveal one in four motorists are still breaking the law by using their mobile phones at the wheel.

SHOCKING figures released today reveal one in four motorists are still breaking the law by using their mobile phones at the wheel.

In a survey with more than 2,200 adults, a quarter admitted they still use their phones while driving.

The news comes in the midst of an Evening Star campaign highlighting the dangers of driving while on a mobile phone.

Our Light Up, Shut Up, Belt Up campaign was launched last month and urges people to put their vehicle and bicycle lights on as the mornings and evenings grow darker, wear seat belts and put down their mobile phone while driving.

Chief Inspector Martin Barnes-Smith, head of Suffolk Constabulary's Roads Policing said: “We issue countless pieces of advice on a range of roads policing issues and yet, amazingly, it would appear that the message is not getting across to everyone.

“There are still drivers out there who are prepared to take risks with their own lives, the lives of their passengers and other road users every time they get behind the wheel of their vehicle.

“The simple fact is this - as long as there are motorists who ignore the law and ignore our advice, people will continue to die and be seriously injured on our county's roads.”

Drivers are four times more likely to crash when using a mobile phone, according to research published last year by the University of Sydney.

Motorists also face a £30 fixed penalty notice if they are caught using their phone behind the wheel which can rise to a £1,000 fine if it is contested at court.

Today's research, commissioned by Budget Van Insurance, also reveals two out of three motorists have broken the speed limit in the past year.

Have you had an accident because a driver was using a phone? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Weblinks:

www.budgetinsurance.com

www.suffolk.police.uk