Smartphone Users Blamed For Rise In Death Toll

The number of deaths on the roads has risen rapidly this year with experts warning that those using smartphones whilst driving could be to blame.

There were 380 road deaths in the first three months of 2014; this is 13% more than the same period in 2013. The total of number killed and number seriously injured has risen by 17%.

Experts have asked whether issues such as mobile phone use and texting by drivers and pedestrians failing to look where they are going were contributory factors. They also said there were signs of increasing conflicts between cyclists and motorists sharing congested road space.

There has also been the growing concern of young drivers taking ‘selfies’ with a third admitting to photographing themselves at the wheel. This is clearly of significant concern as snapping a selfie at the wheel could distract a driver for 14 seconds, while checking social media distracts for as much as 20 seconds.

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