Put the phone away : Shocking number of drivers admit to regularly texting while driving
Risk of collision four times higher if using a handheld mobile phone while driving
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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are urging drivers to put their mobile phones away when driving as new research shows that 1 in 10 motorists admit to regularly texting while driving.
The Driver Attitudes & Behaviour Survey 2020 also revealed that 9% of motorists admit to driving and talking on a handheld mobile phone and 9% of motorists regularly check mobile apps while behind the wheel.
International research has found that you are four times more likely to crash if using a handheld phone while driving. Texting, using social media, or messaging increases the risk substantially. In fact, drivers spend up to 400% more time with their eyes off the road when text messaging than when not texting messaging.
The Driver Attitudes and Behaviour Survey conducted in 2020 also revealed that 9% of motorists admit to driving and talking on a handheld mobile phone, meanwhile, a further 9% admitted to regularly checking mobile apps while behind the wheel.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton said that international research has shown the risk of crashing goes up by four times when using a phone while driving. Despite the warnings, the threat of penalty points, the constant reminders of the dangers, some people are still refusing to heed the message, she said. The message is simple, put the phone away while driving and take extra care on the roads this May Bank Holiday weekend.”