Despite 98% of surveyed van drivers having built-in hands-free technology, 57% still admit to physically checking their mobile phones while driving. While 1 in 10 admit to not only checking their phones - but doing so “often.”
These findings come from recent research commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which surveyed 1000 UK van drivers. The study also revealed a slight improvement from the 2023 statistics, with the number of van drivers checking their phones while driving decreasing from 64%.
Meanwhile, 93% of respondents said they used hands-free technology at least once during the workday.
Head of product planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, John Richardo-Neto, said: “While there’s still a large number of van drivers ignoring the mobile driving laws at some stage throughout the day, it’s positive to see that van drivers are, for the most part, using hands-free technology while on the road.”
Earlier this year, a separate Department for Transport (DfT) study found that van drivers are significantly more likely to be observed using mobile phones behind the wheel compared to car drivers.
It is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data while driving. The law still applies to you even if you are queuing or stopped at traffic lights, in a vehicle that turns off when stopped or holding a device that is in flight mode.
Drivers caught using their devices can face fines of up to £200 and receive 6 penalty points. In some circumstances, drivers who break this law can be taken to court, face higher fines and even lose their licenses.
