Phoney War: Over Half Of Van Drivers Risk Fine For Using Mobile Phones

March 13, 2019 by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

•Almost a quarter (23%) of drivers said their vans are not hands-free enabled

•A third of drivers admitted they have the technology but don't always use it

•Van drivers risking £200 fine and six penalty points for using the phone while driving

•Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers Bluetooth® hands-free kit as standard

More than half of van drivers admitted to making calls behind the wheel without using a hands-free device, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' research*.

Van drivers spend an average of 35 minutes on the phone each day in their vehicles, making an average of seven calls a day. One in 10 spend two hours on the phone while driving during the working day.

The results of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' investigation comes two years on from tougher laws governing the use of mobile phones. Since March 2017, driving while using a device – including making calls, texting, taking selfies or posting on social media – has carried a fine of £200 and a six penalty point endorsement on your licence. Being caught twice is enough to have your licence revoked.

However, many are risking breaking the law by not having a hands-free kit in their vans (23%) or failing to use the technology even if their vehicle is fully-equipped (33%). Just over a quarter (27%) said their vehicle was fitted with hands-free and they always use it to make phone calls while driving.

Recent government statistics reveal nearly half a million drivers still use their phones behind the wheel while phone distraction is listed as a contributory factor in over 30 deaths annually**.

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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a Bluetooth® handsfree kit as standard across its entire model range. The brand's vehicles are also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for complete customer convenience.

Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: 'Our figures show that many van drivers don't have or aren't using a Bluetooth® hands-free kit behind the wheel – risking not only a fine and potential ban, which would damage business, but, more seriously, a potentially fatal accident.

'As part of our Working With You promise we ensure all our customers have the right accessories and equipment to make their jobs as easy and safe as possible, whether that's offering flexible van servicing or something as simple as a hands-free kit as standard.'

For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.

*Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles survey, October 2018, 500 UK van drivers

**Department for Transport