The public overwhelmingly backs the proposed government ban on use of hand-held mobile phones in cars, according to a new survey published by the RAC.

91 percent of motorists polled back the proposal, but the findings also reveal complacency among drivers who, while condemning others who use a hand-held mobile while driving as dangerous, nevertheless think they can manage to do so safely.

Asked whether they thought using a hand-held mobile phone affected the performance of drivers in general, 93 per cent said it would affect drivers "a great deal" or "somewhat". But when questioned on how much using a hand-held mobile affected their personal performance, only 43 per cent replied "a great deal" or "somewhat" with most saying that it affected them "very little" or "not at all".

The RAC findings demonstrate the difficulties facing the Government in attempting to curb the use of mobile phones with such a widespread perception that “everyone else” is to blame for poor driving while using a hand-held mobile.