Two in five drivers told an AA Ireland survey that they 'never' use their phone handheld while driving - but half of those who responded to the study think that phone use by others is getting worse.
AA Ireland carried out an anonymous online survey of its Motoring Panel between Monday, 30 August and Friday, 6 September, receiving a total of 2,617 responses.
The research found that most drivers said they never use their phones while driving, but half think that phone use by others is getting worse.
Four in every five motorists (79%) said they see other drivers using their phones for handheld calls or texts "often" or "occasionally". Only one in 20 (5%) said they have not seen another driver on the phone in the last year.
Around half of the motorists (48.2%) surveyed said the overall problem of phone use while driving has gotten worse in the last two years. Fewer than one in five think it has got better.
However, only two in five say they have used their phones themselves while driving to make a handheld call, send or read a message, or check a notification.
Last year, An Garda Siochána issued 24,474 fixed charged penalty notices for mobile phone use.
It is illegal in Ireland to hold a phone while driving, including having it cradled between your neck and shoulder.
Holding a phone can result in a fixed charge penalty notice of €60 and three penalty points on your driving licence.
It's also against the law to open, send or read a message on a phone while driving, even if it's on a dashboard mount.
Speaking about this survey, AA Ireland Head of Communications Paddy Comyn said: “This survey shows that most motorists feel that phone use is unacceptable.
"Most say they never use their own phone for handheld activities while driving, but they feel others do so regularly and think penalties should be more strict.
"The AA reminds motorists that even a glance at a phone can pose a significant risk when you’re driving."
