Despite ongoing driver safety campaigns, it seems we're still continually distracted every day while driving. A new Irish survey carried out by Continental Tyres reveals that over 10 per cent of drivers have 'near misses' because they are texting from a mobile phone while driving. This is cited as being the most common driving offence that drivers do every single day.
The survey revealed that changing music or making mobile phone calls while driving accounted for a surprising 8 and 7 per cent, respectively. However, 73 per cent of drivers admitted that searching for music was the most common distracting activity of all, with 65 per cent being distracted while using a mobile phone.
The survey suggests that 48 per cent of women are distracted by using a mobile phone, against men at 33 per cent. Commenting on the findings, Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland said, "In spite of all the safety campaigns targeting the dangers of mobile phone usage while driving, it was shocking to see it highlighted as the main reason for a 'near miss' by so many drivers. It won't hurt you to put away the phone while you are behind the wheel, but using it just might."
It seems that smartphones are slowly replacing business laptops and iPods as devices for immediate access to email communication and music. As a result, there's a growing likelihood of alerts and notification being sent to drivers while travelling and causing a serious distraction.
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Another finding of the Continental Tyres survey shows cyclists are Irish drivers' biggest distraction with children and other motorists following in behind. CompleteCar.ie always says that a moment's distraction can have the most serious consequences. If you do have a phone in your car while driving, why not store it away from arm's reach. Nearly always, that text or call can wait until you and your passengers have arrived safely.