Statistics from the most recent AA poll of over 21,000 motorists have revealed that the use of handheld mobile phones while driving has actually increased since 2009, despite the serious consequences that can arise due to their usage.
The offence is the second most common penalty point offence in Ireland, with the 53.8% figure being 3.4% higher than the previous AA poll, which was carried out in May of 2009.
Even more worrying is the statistic that the act of texting while driving has been undertaken by 40.7% of those who were surveyed. This figure follows the trend of the above stat, with it having incurred an increase of 8.4% since the last poll took place.
A total of 9.3% of drivers surveyed also admitted to surfing the web via their Smartphone while in charge of a vehicle.
John Farrell, Director of AA Motor Insurance warns that "Mobile phones are so small, compact and user friendly these days it's easy to see where the temptation lies. However research shows that you're four times more likely to crash your car when on a mobile phone" and that "Dividing your attention between the two tasks will impair your control of your vehicle and reduce your awareness of what is going on around you."