Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers

15 May 2007

Media Release - 15 May 2007

The Minister for the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Mr Tim Holding, today launched a new public education campaign warning that distracted drivers were putting lives at risk.

Mr Holding said new research showed that Australian drivers engaged in a distracting activity on average once every six minutes – activities which frequently resulted in driving errors and road crashes.
 
“The TAC’s latest public education campaign sends a clear and unambiguous message that distracted drivers are dangerous,” Mr Holding said.

“Driving is a complicated task that requires full attention.  Being distracted for even a second can lead to a crash.”

Mr Holding said driver distraction could be grouped into two categories:  technology-based (mobile phones, entertainment and navigation systems); and non-technology based (talking to passengers, eating, drinking and smoking).

“Research shows that drivers using a hand held mobile phone are four times more likely to be involved in a crash,” he said.

“Alarmingly, 30 percent of people surveyed admitted to sending text messages while driving, with one in six drivers doing so regularly.”

Mr Holding said that while mobile phones were a major form of distraction other activities could be just as dangerous.

Research by The George Institute for International Health and The University of Western Australia, reported that during a driving trip:

• 72% of drivers will display a lack of concentration;
• 69% will adjust in-vehicle equipment;
• 58% are distracted by outside events, objects or people; and
• 40% talk to passengers.

“Every day on our roads, drivers are answering calls or sending text messages while driving,” Mr Holding said.

“The community no longer accepts actions that put people’s lives in danger – whether that’s drink driving, speeding or hoon behaviour. Nor will we accept drivers talking on hand-held mobile phones or failing to concentrate while behind the wheel.”

The 2007 road toll currently stands at 111 to the 121 at the same time last year.