More drivers admit to using a handheld mobile phone to browse the internet, text or share to social media than at any point since 2018, detailed new RAC research shows.
The proportion of drivers who admit to these dangerous and illegal activities while behind the wheel has now increased every year since the Covid pandemic to reach 15%, having last been that high in 2018 (15%) and then falling to a low of 7% in 2021.
One-in-five drivers (20%) also admit to checking messages or notifications, the highest level since 2016, and 12% say they have taken a photo or recorded a video with their phone while driving, up from 8% in 2024 and the highest rate since 2019.
The RAC’s detailed research on the problem also found an increase in the percentage of drivers who say they have watched or recorded a video or livestreamed while at the wheel in the past 12 months, up from 5% in 2024 to almost one-in-10 (9%) this year.
The rate is highest among the under-25s, rising to 27% from 23% in 2024. Among those aged between 25-44 years, there has also been a sharp increase in admitted livestreaming, from 10% two years ago to 17% this year.
The only type of activity involving a handheld mobile that has seen a reduction this year is the proportion of drivers who admit to making or receiving voice calls – the figure now stands at 20%, down from 27% in 2024 and 23% in 2019.
Younger drivers are by far the most likely age group to engage in illegal mobile phone use. Half – 49%, compared to 20% overall – say they have made or received a call without a hands-free kit, and 39% have typed a message or social media post while behind the wheel, up from 27% in 2024 and 2025.
Four-in-10 (42%) admit to making or receiving video calls while driving – the highest level the RAC has ever recorded – while 30% have taken a photo or filmed a video. More than a fifth (22%) say they have played a game on their phone while driving, which is again a record high proportion.
All these increases coincide with motorists’ general concern about handheld mobile phone use actually diminishing.
In the RAC’s 2026 research, concern about the problem – compared to other common motoring issues like potholes and fuel prices – is down to 19%, having peaked at 41% in 2016 when it was drivers’ top motoring worry.
Rod Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, said: “Our research shows there’s been a marked increase in the proportion of drivers – especially the young – admitting to using handheld mobile phones behind the wheel for all sorts of risky activities, including posting on social media and even livestreaming.
“The penalties if caught might be tougher now than they were in the past, but they clearly aren’t enough to stop a lot of drivers brazenly using their phones illegally.”
Road safety technology firm Acusensus says the figures should act as a wake-up call for policymakers and road safety professionals.
Geoff Collins, UK general manager, said: “These figures are deeply concerning because they show that, despite years of public education, tougher legislation and increasing awareness of the dangers, too many drivers are still prepared to take their eyes off the road and their attention away from driving.
“What is particularly worrying is that we’re seeing growth in behaviours such as video calling, social media use and content creation behind the wheel. These aren’t momentary lapses – they are activities that require sustained visual, cognitive and manual distraction. The risks to everyone on the road are obvious.”
Mr Collins said the results underline the importance of using technology to support police forces in identifying offending drivers and changing behaviour.
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