Almost 90% of van drivers are risking a £1,000 fine and six penalty points on their licence for using phones behind the wheel.
A survey of 1,000 UK van drivers by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles found nine out of 10 admit to physically checking their smartphones while driving.
That’s despite the introduction of legislation last spring, further tightening up mobile phone use and banning drivers from using handheld devices under virtually any circumstance.
The tougher phone usage laws came into effect in March 2022 to close a previous loophole and mean drivers are now breaking the law if they use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel for any reason, including scrolling through playlists, playing games, or taking photos.
But nearly half of van drivers in VW’s survey said they weren’t aware of the specific changes to the laws. The other half admitted to knowing but, worryingly, figures show many are continuing to check devices anyway.
That’s despite the existing transition among many van drivers to technology to help them do work on the move; the study found 96% have access to in-built connectivity, such as Bluetooth, with 75% of van drivers making up to 10 hands-free calls a day.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is urging drivers to prioritise safety behind the wheel, by putting down handheld devices and always using secure and safely positioned handheld devices.
The company fits Bluetooth hands-free kit as standard across its entire model range and also offers a selection of smart tech features, including We Connect and App-Connect, to enable safe, hands-free driving.
Rob Holdcroft, head of network sales at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “In these dangerous, icy weather conditions, it’s even more important to make sure drivers are fully focused on the road ahead. For all those on the road to remain safe – drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike – extra concentration and care is needed. Looking at your phone is a distraction that must be avoided, and with in-built hands-free technologies, this is easy to avoid while driving.
“As part of our Working With You promise, we offer a range of safety technology and features, such as voice control and Adaptive Cruise Control, so van drivers can keep themselves and other road users safe.”
