New Survey Finds UK Public Support Tougher Action on Smartphone Use When Driving

Smartphones are great, but highly addictive and distracting at the wheel, here’s the word;

A survey of 2,000 UK drivers, carried out by temporary car insurance experts Tempcover, found that 60% of motorists take voice calls while driving. One in five (20%) do so often or always, while 11% take video calls at least sometimes. Despite this, 68% acknowledge voice calls are distracting, rising to 87% for video calls.

The findings highlight a strong reliance on regular connectivity, with drivers using hands-free technology and in-car systems to stay reachable on the move.

The top reasons for answering calls while driving were[1]:

1. Hands-free technology making calls feel easier and more convenient (39%)

2. Calls feeling too important or urgent to ignore (37%)

3. Pressure from family members to answer immediately (21%)

4. Fitting calls around other commitments such as appointments and errands (20%)

5. Concerns about missing time-sensitive personal matters (16%)

Despite recognising the risk, 94% of drivers who take calls behind the wheel said they feel confident their in-car setup allows them to drive safely while talking on the phone.

Most drivers who answer calls use built-in hands-free systems such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth integration (67%), while 12% place phones on speaker using dashboard mounts.

Even with widespread use of phones whilst driving, public appetite for tougher rules is growing rapidly. Four in five respondents (80%) said they support stricter enforcement of phone use while driving, including nearly half (49%) who “strongly support” tougher action.

Among the most popular proposed measures were:

• Harsher penalties when phone use contributes to an accident (53%)

• Increased fines for offenders (50%)

• Additional penalty points on licences (44%)

• Automatic licence suspension for repeat offenders (42%)

• More consistent enforcement with fewer warnings (42%)

A significant number also backed technology-led interventions, including mandatory “driving mode” restrictions for phones while vehicles are moving (34%) and limiting access to apps such as social media or video platforms unless stationary (32%).

The findings indicate a growing tension between modern communication habits and road safety, as drivers increasingly struggle to disconnect behind the wheel, even while acknowledging the risks involved.

Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover adds:

“While hands-free technology allows drivers to legally take calls without holding their phone, it does not remove the risk of distraction. Conversations can still divert attention away from the road, even with both hands on the wheel. The safest option is always to pull over in a safe place before taking or making a call, especially one that requires deep focus.

“Even brief distractions can compromise reaction times and decision-making behind the wheel. A momentary lapse in concentration can have serious, even life-changing consequences for all road users.

“Enforcement is in place for a reason. Drivers found to be using a mobile phone improperly while driving can face a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence.