Drivers distracted by phones, passengers
More than half of New Zealand drivers are driving distracted with texting or talking on phones being the biggest culprit.
A nationwide survey, commissioned by insurance giant AMI, of drivers in the last year showed 55% admitted they were distracted by something. The top five distractions were texting, talking on the phone, other drivers and daydreaming, with 68% considering their phones were the biggest distraction to contend with. And 21% overall said they drove under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The most distracted drivers were in the 18 to 24 age range, listing mobile phones, passengers, adjusting GPS/audio/climate controls, daydreaming, and eating/drinking as the biggest distractions.
Meanwhile, 25% of those aged over 45 admitted they had driven while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, compared with 17% of those aged between 18 and 44.
And with people taking advantage of Anzac Day being on a Thursday to take Friday off and extend their weekend as well as school holidays, AMI executive general manager claims Wayne Tippet says the results were an important reminder of driver safety.
“Little distractions can have terrible consequences, so please be safe.”
He said to set up the navigation system before leaving home, choose your music playlist, and set your temperature controls before you leave, or have your front-seat passenger do this for you.
“If you’re driving solo, put your phone on silent, or message people that you’re about to head off and won’t be available for the duration of your journey. Remember that hands-free phones are also distracting.” Tippet said.