3 out of 5 motorists use phone while driving: Nissan report

In a study conducted by Nissan, three out of five drivers have admitted to using mobile phone while driving. More startling is the fact that only one in four motorists admitted having been caught for breaking the law, according to the study performed by Japanese auto major, Nissan.

According to Nissan Connected Families of India survey, North Indians were the most in number when it came to using mobile phones while driving with 62 per cent of the survey takers having admitted having used a cellular device while driving. Southern India accounts for 52 per cent of motorists who used mobile phones while driving.

In the question of over-speeding, Kerala had the highest number of offenders with 60 per cent of respondents admitting to it, followed by 51 per cent in Delhi, and 28 per cent in Punjab.

Nissan stated that they had conducted the survey in 20 states in India in December-January interviewing over 2,199 people.

The survey also revealed the fact that Indians are posing a serious threat on the roads with 3 out of 5 motorists admitting to having used mobile phones while driving, Nissan said in a statement.

The survey also found out that only one in four Indians have admitted having been caught by cops for breaking the law.

Nissan Motor India Managing Director Jerome Saigot said it not only revealed some startling facts but also raised a need for in-car technology and connectivity for safety.

"This has been further affirmed by the fact that 53 per cent respondents expressed the desire to be connected to their family even while driving," he added.

The survey also found that 68 per cent of the respondents confessed to always getting lost while driving to a new place, often leaving their families worried and anxious.

"Moreover, nearly 64 per cent of the respondents admitted to getting late for meetings. This trend varied from North to South, as 65 per cent respondents in Kerala conceded to failing in keeping time commitments as opposed to 48 per cent in Punjab," the survey said.

The Indian law under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 states the offence shall be punishable with a fine of Rs 1,000 or jail imprisonment of up to six months, or both. A second or subsequent offence committed within three years shall attract a penalty fine of Rs 2,000, or imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both.