Almost a quarter of drivers admit to checking mobile phone notifications while driving, according to new research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Now the RSA and An Garda Síochána are once again appealing to drivers to not use their mobiles while behind the wheel.
The Driver Attitudes & Behaviour Survey 2021 found that 37 per cent of motorists surveyed were not practicing safe mobile phone behaviour when driving – which includes turning off your mobile phone, switching it on silent, or keeping it out of sight.
Of those surveyed, 19 per cent admitted to using their phone to read messages or emails, 13 per cent said they write messages and emails from behind the wheel and 12 per cent admitted to using their phones to check social media.
This is despite international research revealing that drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a collision if they use their mobile phone while driving.
“Driver distraction is thought to play a role in up to 30 per cent of all road collisions,” said Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority.
“Using your mobile is a significant form of driver distraction as it dangerously impairs your ability to monitor the road ahead and react to any hazards in time. That call, text, or social media post can wait until you are parked up safely, whatever you do don’t take a chance and use your phone while driving.”
So far in 2022, a total of 86 people have died on Irish roads, 27 more than the same period in 2021.
