According to research carried out by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, more than half of the UK’s van drivers admit to making calls behind the wheel without using a hands-free device.

VW’s research showed that 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 ten spend two hours on the phone while driving during the working day.

The result of the investigation comes two years after tougher laws governing the use of mobile phones were introduced in the UK. 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.

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.

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.”

Photo: Over half of UK van drivers are still using mobiles on the move