Young persons car insurance news - Student car insurance holders with gadgets

Driver news - Student car insurance holders and handheld gadgets

A recent study conducted in August 2011 has shown that student car insurance holders should take extra care while behind the wheel in more populated areas, as well as when they are crossing a road as a pedestrian.

The survey, undertaken by a company which provides young persons car insurance amongst cover for other demographics, has revealed that one of the newest dangers on the road is the popularity of handheld electronic gadgets owned by more than 20 million people in Britain.

The managing director of the insurance firm explained, "The increasing range of functions offered by gadgets like smartphones mean there are endless ways to have your attention diverted on the roads and pedestrians need to wake up to the dangers of crossing roads while using them."

Reportedly, out of a mix of 4,428 road users and pedestrians of 18 years of age and older, 11% (one in ten) admitted to habitually crossing the road while using a gadget, 4% emailing or texting instead of looking for oncoming traffic.

However, 31% of the people surveyed were aware that their use of a gadget increased their risk of suffering an accident while crossing the UK highways.

Furthermore, it is not only car drivers who need to look out for distracted pedestrians. An observational study by psychologist David Moxon, surveying habits in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff, found that in many incidences cyclists had to brake suddenly to avoid colliding with an unobservant pedestrian. In total, 13% of biker riders and motorists had to use their brakes so as to avoid a crash.

To reduce the risk of being involved in an accident, student car insurance holders and all drivers should be aware that pedestrians may not look before crossing the road. Similarly, they should take care of themselves as pedestrians by refraining from using gadgets when they need to look for oncoming vehicles.