Stay focused on driving

Research has revealed that 55 per cent of drivers admit to being distracted behind the wheel, with 21 per cent admitting to having driven under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The national survey by AMI also highlights cellphones as being responsible for distracting 30 per cent of drivers in the past year and 68 per cent consider them the biggest distraction to contend with while driving.

Wayne Tippet, AMI’s executive general manager of claims, says: “We hope that by sharing this information, drivers will remember that little distractions can have terrible consequences.”

Distraction is highest along younger drivers with respondents aged between 18-24 listing phones, passengers, adjusting GPS, audio and climate controls, daydreaming, and eating or drinking as the biggest distractions.

Meanwhile, 25 per cent of those aged over 45 admitted to having driven while under the influence of drugs or alcohol versus 17 per cent of those aged 18-44.

Tippet, pictured, says: “Set up your navigation system, choose your music playlist, and set your temperature controls before you leave, or have your front-seat passenger do this.

“If driving solo, put your phone on silent or message people that you’re about to head off and won’t be available for the duration of your journey. Remember that hands-free phones are also distracting. 

“We hope that by highlighting these issues people will be more aware of the common distractions and arrive safely at their destinations.”