The majority of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are fiddling with their phones when they should be paying attention to traffic, a survey by traffic safety researcher SWOV on behalf of Interpolis insurer has shown.

Almost 70% of the 4,068 respondents said they used their phone regularly when out and about on the road. Compared to two years ago, more people are using their phones for navigation purposes, putting on music and playing games.

Motorists are among the worst culprits when it comes to playing games, Interpolis spokeswoman Patty Jansen told broadcaster NOS.

‘[A total of] 8.2% of motorists regularly play a game on their phones behind the wheel compared to 3% two years ago. But we see that playing mobile phone games in traffic is increasing across the board,’ Jansen said.

The reason for the increase may be that apps are becoming more sophisticated and that more tailbacks last year increased phone use, the SWOV said. Many people also believe they will not be fined. Only two respondents said they had been fined for using their phones in traffic.

The problem is a ‘persistent’ one and the only way of tackling it is to make people aware of the dangers and consistently fine offenders, Jansen said.