New research reveals that 55% of drivers admit to being distracted while driving, while 21% said they’d driven under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The national survey from AMI showed mobile phones were responsible for distracting 30% of drivers in the past year, and 68% considered them the biggest distraction to contend with while driving.
“These results are an important reminder of driver safety as many of us get ready to hit the road for a long weekend,” said AMI executive general manager claims, Wayne Tippet.
“We hope that by sharing this information, drivers will remember that little distractions can have terrible consequences, so please be safe.”
Driver distraction is highest in younger drivers, with respondents aged between 18-24 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 to 17% of those aged between 18 and 44.
Before leaving home, AMI urges New Zealanders to make a plan.
“Set up your navigation system, choose your music playlist, and set your temperature controls before you leave, or have your front-seat passenger do this for you,” said Tippet.
“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.”
“We hope that by highlighting this issue people will be more aware of the common distractions and arrive safely at their destinations.”
What drivers have been distracted by in the past 12 months (top 10):
- Passengers in my vehicle – 52%
- Other drivers – 46%
- Adjusting audio or climate controls – 43%
- Using the GPS – 34%
- Eating and drinking – 33%
- Daydreaming – 33%
- Pedestrians – 26%
- Texting – 22%
- Talking on the phone – 19%
- Smoking / vaping – 6%
Top 5 rated distractions:
- Texting – 49%
- Talking on the phone – 19%
- Other drivers – 9%
- Other passengers in the vehicle – 7%
- Daydreaming – 6%
