National: Almost a third of Irish drivers admit to using phone while driving

Almost a third of drivers have admitted to using their mobile phones while driving, new research from Aviva has found.

‌A recent survey from the insurance company found that checking maps and directions is the most common reason for drivers checking their mobile phones when driving. The survey also found people between the ages of 25 and 44 were most likely to do so at 40 per cent.

Almost half of the drivers who admitted to using their phone while driving also admitted to occasionally using their mobile phones without using hands-free.

Half of those who use their phones when driving will only do so on hands-free, and a further 4 per cent say that they will always pull over if they need to use the phone for any reason. 

The Aviva survey, which gathered data from 1000 drivers across the country, also found that almost a quarter of drivers admit to wearing flip-flops when driving

Over the bank holiday weekend, 220 drivers were caught using their mobile phone while on the road.