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Last Updated: Wednesday, 15 November 2006, 10:30 GMT
One-in-four drivers 'use mobiles'
Driver using mobile phone
The study suggests many continue to use mobiles while driving
A quarter of motorists admit they break the law by using their mobile phone while driving, new research suggests.

So-called boy racers were named as the biggest road menaces, followed by those on the "school run" and older drivers.

The survey, of more than 2,200 adults, also showed other bad habits such as eating or reading maps while driving.

Emma Maziak, of Budget Van Insurance, which conducted the study, said risks taken by drivers were "amazing" given "new legislation to penalise us".

The research also suggested that two out of three motorists broke the speed limit in the past year, with men more likely to drive too fast.

Van and lorry drivers, as well as cyclists, were only described as hazardous by 5% of those polled.

Ms Maziak said: "The fall-out from accidents related to bad driving habits can have a big impact on insurance premiums.

"It's good to see that van drivers come out well - and are not seen by the vast majority as hazardous drivers."


SEE ALSO
Mobile crackdown targets drivers
16 Oct 05 |  Scotland
Crackdown on phone-using drivers
02 Nov 05 |  England
Police drive to target phone use
01 Dec 04 |  Scotland
Purge on mobile phone use in cars
17 May 04 |  Scotland
Drivers face mobile phone fines
01 Dec 03 |  UK Politics

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