Mobile users drive up traffic offences

· Men confirmed as worst serious case offenders
The number of motoring offences in England and Wales has hit a record 13.5m -
one for every other car and lorry on the road. Home Office figures published
yesterday show that more than 11m fixed penalty notices were issued in 2004,
7m by parking wardens.

...

The figures also confirm that men are the worst motorists. Almost 90% of those
found guilty of the most serious offences were male, and dangerous driving,
stealing a car, and motorbike offences had the highest rates of male offending.
Women were most likely to commit offences involving obstruction, waiting and parking.

...

One area of expansion has been action against drivers using a mobile phone,
with more than 73,000 facing fines last year.

...

Brake, the road safety charity, said the figures confirmed their research that
men were more likely to take high risks that could kill, such as overtaking on
a blind bend, and urged a safety campaign targeted at young men.

The offences were published alongside figures showing the campaign against
antisocial behaviour appeared to falter last summer.

Alan Travis, home affairs editor
Friday March 31, 2006
The Guardian 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/transport/Story/0,,1743743,00.html