New research commissioned by Liberty Insurance has revealed that almost half of Irish drivers admit to engaging in distracting activities whilst behind the wheel. The survey, conducted by Millward Brown to coincide with the launch of Liberty's #DriveSafer campaign, showed that 46 per cent of respondents habitually are not focusing on the road ahead.
According to the survey, changing a channel on the radio was the top culprit: 36 per cent of drivers said they had done so, with 17-34 year olds and young families admitting to doing it the most. Playing with the radio is classed as a lower level disruption though and those engaging in 'digital distractions' such as texting, checking emails and talking on the phone came in for harsher criticism.
The Liberty Insurance research revealed that 13 per cent used their mobile phone in some capacity with taking/placing a call cited by seven per cent of drivers, sending or receiving a text message by four per cent and checking emails or posting an update to social media by one per cent.
"Our research has revealed some very interesting insights into the driving habits of the Irish public," said Annette Ni Dhathlaoi, Head of Marketing, Liberty Insurance. "We are encouraging drivers to take action and avoid these distractions and inviting people to share their #DriveSafer tips via Twitter and the Liberty Insurance Facebook page using the hashtag."
Anything else?
People can visit the Liberty Ireland Facebook page or Tweet using the hashtag #DriveSafer to share their tips as well as bad driver behaviour or habits that they have spotted. Liberty Insurance will also be sharing tips to help drivers avoid some of the more common distractions revealed in the research. The insurer also has a full listing of driver distratcions and tips for how to combat them on its website.