According to the IAM’s recent nationwide survey, ‘white van man’ is less likely to ignore the new law on handheld mobile phones than drivers of typical family saloons.
Incidents of drivers using handheld phones were noted over a 19-day period by IAM members. The survey covered all classes of vehicle, at different times of day and in different traffic conditions. 
It was already an offence to drive while using a handheld mobile phone, but since February 27 those caught have been faced with a stiffer £60 penalty and three penalty points. There have been more than 250,000 prosecutions for phoning while driving since 2003.
Somewhat surprisingly, from the sample of 674 it emerged that drivers of family cars were the most likely to offend (21.5 per cent), followed by those in light commercials or vans (17.8 per cent). Drivers of sports and high performance cars were least likely to commit the offence (6.2 per cent). The other offenders were those at the wheel of: large commercial vehicles (10.2 per cent); 4x4s (12.6 per cent); small family cars (15.1 per cent) and large/executive cars (16.5 per cent).
The survey also revealed that drivers are more likely to use a handheld mobile while in free flowing traffic rather than when stationary or semi-stationary. Those driving outside the morning and evening rush hours were more likely to use a phone than those stuck in them. Motorists in the North West were the biggest offenders over all (30 per cent).
Said IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger, "The message is clear - 'switch off before you drive off', and that applies just as much to mums on the school run as it does to white van man.
"You are four times more likely to crash when you are on a mobile phone, and the IAM has, for several years, advised caution even when using a hands-free kit, as your attention is still divided. The consequences of such distraction - be it a crash or a fine and points on your licence - are just as devastating whether caused by a hands-free or hand held phone."
