Nearly half of drivers in Western Australia have admitted to texting while behind the wheel, according to a new study.
A survey involving more than 600 motorists found 47 percent had responded to or initiated a text exchange while driving — despite 95 percent describing it either “very” or “extremely” risky.
The RAC, which carried out the research, said it was “deeply concerning.”
“It takes an average of five seconds to read a text message but just a split second for a life to be changed forever,” said Will Golsby, RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs.
“Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road trauma and it’s clear far too many motorists are paying attention to their phones instead of the road ahead.”
More than 80 percent of the drivers surveyed admitted to using their phones while driving, with those aged between 17 and 39 three times more likely to have handled their phones while travelling at 70km an hour.
The survey also revealed nearly 60 percent of motorists have never tried any strategy to prevent them from using their phone while driving.
“We’d encourage more drivers to reduce the temptation by putting their phone out of reach, switching it off completely, or activating do-not-disturb mode,” Golsby said.
RAC’s recent Look Up campaign aimed to address and educate drivers about the dangers of distraction, inattention and mobile phone use behind the wheel.
