Hughes Insurance in partnership with Belfast Live has launched its latest campaign, asking readers to sign a petition to #LeaveThePhoneAlone when driving.
Earlier this year, Belfast Live conducted a survey of nearly 1,000 readers on driving habits and 88% reported seeing drivers using their phones within the past week.
In addition to this shocking statistic, 30% admitted to touching their phone while driving in the past week and 33% of survey respondents checked their phone while stuck in traffic.
These alarming statistics have raised awareness of how dangerous this issue is and how many people are still doing it.
Bernie McHugh Sonner, Sales & Service Director, Hughes Insurance, said: “We are conscious that using a phone when driving is continuing to happen across roads everywhere, and with this campaign our goal is to raise awareness of how dangerous this issue is. At Hughes, we care about protecting what matters and with that there comes a need to keep motorists safe on the road.
"We were delighted to launch the campaign with the help of our staff and campaign ambassador Stephen Clements. This added support will help increase consciousness of the impact of distracted driving and change driving habits.”
Chris Sherrard, Editor of Belfast Live, said: “From our initial reader survey, the scale of this issue was apparent, and we felt we needed to try to make a change amongst people’s attitudes to using their mobile in any way when driving.
"This campaign will see us working with Hughes across a number of platforms to encourage people to #LeaveThePhoneAlone.”
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