Behind the Wheel Selfies

A recent survey conducted by confused.com has found one in nine motorists have taken a photograph at the wheel, with young drivers being the worst offenders.

Over 10,000 ‘selfie’ photographs of people driving cars have been uploaded to social networking sites since 2010. As the ‘selfie’ craze has taken to the roads, motorists are putting lives at risk, including their own, despite warnings on the dangers of using mobile phones whilst behind the wheel.

The survey found the worst culprits to be those aged 18 to 24. Of these, one in ten admit to using photo-messaging app Snapchat while driving, social networking site Twitter was used by 8 percent of young drivers and Instagram was accessed by 5%, all whilst behind the wheel.

This alarming research has gained attention from leading road safety charity Brake, who are calling for tougher roadside penalties and a police clampdown.

Brake spokeswomen, Laura Woods said: “This is a case of ‘selfie’ selfishness. Using a phone in any way at the wheel dramatically increases the risk of crashing and killing or seriously injuring someone.

“It is very worrying to see the number of drivers engaging in this dangerous behaviour, particularly younger drivers who are already at a higher risk of crashing due to their age and inexperience.”

The ‘selfie’ phenomenon has become so popular that it was featured as the 2013 Oxford Dictionary word of the year, described as; a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media site.

The research further found that hashtags including #drivingselfie and #drivingselfies have become increasingly popular. In the US, an NBC investigation found more than three million pictures filed under hastags including #drivingselfie, #drivingtowork and #ihopeidontcrash.

Over a third of the 2000 motorists surveyed said they used their phone when driving, despite knowing the dangers. One in ten admitted to being caught by the police and worryingly 57% went on to commit the same offence again.

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