Thursday, September 17, 2009
Distractions drive motorists to take risks
RAC is calling for the focus of safety campaigns to be widened to include all potential in-car distractions, such as adjusting the radio or heating and air-conditioning controls as well as the dangers of using mobile phones.
The move comes after the 2009 RAC Report on Motoring revealed that more than a third (39%) of UK motorists become seriously distracted when driving.
Young drivers (17 to 24 year olds) are the most likely to lose concentration behind the wheel with over half (55%) confessing that they become 'seriously distracted'.
One in five young motorists said they drive while listening to music through headphones, and 16% even admitted to putting on make-up behind the steering wheel.
Although over a quarter (26%) of drivers between the ages of 17-24 admitted to texting while on the road, just 3% of the same group actually considered this behaviour acceptable.
Motorists were also asked which of their in-car gadgets and technologies they found to be most distracting, the top five were: In-car music/changing CD and radio controls (57%), sat-nav systems (41%), mobile phones (32%), air-con controls (31%) and dashboard warning lights (21%).
The research also looked at the impact in-car distractions can have on driving performance and the potentially fatal distances that vehicles can travel when motorists avert their eyes from the road for just a few seconds.
In response to the findings, David Bizley, RAC director of technical said: "This clearly shows that in-car distractions continue to be a significant road safety issue, especially for the new generation of drivers.
"While in-car gadgets do make journeys easier and more entertaining it's important that they are used appropriately. Even a split second distraction can have potentially disastrous consequences.
"Legislation to limit certain distractions is in place, but it's evident that many of the Government's messages are not getting through to motorists. The number of fatalities as a result of in vehicle distractions has increased 50% over the last three years. You only have to consider the number of motorists that continue to text and drive to see that greater awareness of how to use in car-technology responsibly is needed."
DATED: 17.09.09
FEED: AW
