Using a handheld phone while driving is “rocketing” among some age groups, despite harsher penalties for offenders, a study has found. Research by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) said 47% of motorists aged between 25 and 34 admitted making or receiving calls while driving, up seven percent from the previous year. A quarter (25%) of drivers in all age groups – equivalent to 10m people – said they had done so, an increase of one point from 24% in 2017. The RAC found 36% of motorists in the 25-34 age group and 29% of those between 35 and 44 used a phone to send texts, post on social media or check emails while driving, a 10% rise on the previous year and back to the same level as in 2016. Thirty-nine percent of drivers in the 35-44 age group admitted to making or receiving calls while driving, and 54% said they do so while stationary. Advertisement Almost a third of drivers (30%) aged 25 to 34 admit to taking photos, selfies or videos while driving, more than double the proportion of all drivers who do this (16%). The worst area is London, where 52% of drivers say they make or…