digital dummies - Lloyds Banking Group

06/08/2013

DIGITAL DUMMIES: 25% OF YOUNG BRITS CONFESS TO TEXT COLLISIONS ‘Digital dummy’ Brits admit to using phones openly in public – with dangerous consequences of both accidents and theft One in four Brits aged 18-24 (25%) have been so engrossed with their mobile phones while out and about that they have collided with someone else, new research reveals. More than a quarter (28%) of the population have been victims of a ‘text collision,’ according to a poll by Halifax Home Insurance. Yet ‘digital dummies’ are putting themselves at risk of more than just accidental bumps, as figures show that almost half (46%) of pick pocketing incidents in the past year involved a mobile phonei. Over a third (39%) of individuals now use smartphones to get directions when in a new place, often leaving them unaware of their surroundings. Meanwhile, a further 13% admit to using their headphones when walking alone at night. As the number of text collisions and mobile phone thefts rise, Halifax Home Insurance is urging people to be cautious when out and about and ensure their prized digital belongings are safe from would-be accidents and opportunistic thieves. Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Insurance, said: “Whether it’s getting directions, listening to music, checking social networks or surfing the web, we are more dependent on our mobiles and smartphones than ever before. However, we must also remember to stay savvy when it comes to protecting our belongings and ourselves. “The Halifax Insurance Digital Home Index found that UK adults each own an average £4,164 worth of technology devices ii. With 46 million of the UK population taking a mobile phone out and about, 9 million carrying an MP3 player and 20 million using a digital camera away from the home, we are in danger of becoming a nation of digital dummies for opportunistic thieves and accidents. We are urging individuals, especially the younger generation, to take steps now to stay safe when out and about.” Brits are not the only ones at risk of being digital dummies – texting while crossing the road was recently outlawed in the US town of Fort Lee, New Jersey. Texters caught in the act will now be issued with a $54 (£35.70) fine, after the number of pedestrian injuries caused by mobile distractions reached 1,152 in 2010 – double that of the previous yeariii. The study showed that the younger generation is particularly prone to digital dummy dangers, as they are twice as likely to text friends, check social media and listen to music when out and about (see table below).

06/08/2013 The study found that although half (46%) of those polled said they are more concerned about the security of their technology devices now than when they first bought them – due to their rising value and amount of personal data – just a third (33%) are covered by insurance for their digital items when they are taken outside the home.

Are you a digital dummy? I use my phone openly in public to get directions

General population 39%

Those aged 18-24 63%

When walking alone at night I use headphones

13%

29%

I openly use my devices on public transport

38%

60%

I openly use my devices on public transport but put them away when I arrive at my destination

32%

48%

I have walked into someone/something because I was looking at my phone

11%

25%

Someone has walked into me because they were looking at their phone

28%

30%

Keeping your property safe: advice from Halifax Home Insurance 1. Out of sight When out and about at night, try to limit the amount you use any MP3 players, smartphones or tablets. White headphones can be a luminous giveaway to would-be thieves, whilst being distracted as you talk on the phone, listen to music or text can make you a walking target for accidents, collisions and theft. 2. On the move Demand for portable items is high and they can be easily reprogrammed and resold, making them extremely attractive to thieves. Reduce your reliance on your phone, tablet or designer headphones and it will be easier to be more discreet when using these items in public. When they’re not in use, keep these valuables zipped safely in a pocket or bag. If they’re being kept in the car, make sure that they’re not in plain view. 3. Picture this When you buy or receive a new valuable device, make sure that you keep the receipts and take photographs of the item. This will help to ensure that your insurance claim is processed as quickly as possible. If you’re storing this evidence electronically, make sure that it is backed up – either on an external hard drive or in cloud storage. 4. Password protected

06/08/2013 While the value of a device might be high, the chances are that the information stored on it is even more valuable and more difficult to replace. Make sure that you have different passwords on all devices and wherever possible, choose the option to wipe the data if the incorrect password is entered a certain number of items. 5. Make your mark Use an ultra violet pen to write your postcode on your valuable items to make them easier to identify. For more information visit http://www.halifax.co.uk/insurance ENDS Notes to editors The research was conducted by One Poll in May 2013 on a nationally representative survey of 2,500 adults aged 18 and over living in the UK. The survey was conducted by an online poll. Halifax Home Solutions is underwritten by Lloyds TSB General Insurance Limited and has a 5 Star Defaqto rating. Halifax Home Options is arranged by Lloyds TSB Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by a panel of insurers, including our related company Lloyds TSB General Insurance Limited. For further information please contact: Kimberley Hamilton, Lloyds Banking Group Tel: 0131 655 5450 or Email: [email protected] Melanie Matthews, Lloyds Banking Group Tel: 07908 448310 or Email: [email protected] Bhakti Gajjar, Cohn & Wolfe Tel: 020 7331 5363 or Email: [email protected]

i

Office for National Statistics – Crime Survey for England and Wales December 2011 – December 2012. ii

Respondents were questioned on the types of devices they own, which included television, smartphone, tablet, PC or laptop, DVD player, digital camera, games consoles iii

1,152 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms after being injured while using a cellphone or some other electronic device in 2010, according to a US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s report.