A new study has explored the reasons behind distracted driving, with 43% of drivers admitting that conversations with passengers had caused distracted driving mistakes.
Daydreaming was also a significant factor, with both sitting higher in the list than mobile phone use.
Incredibly, over a quarter of drivers reported that they’ve made mistakes while interacting with their touchscreen systems (whether for radio, navigation, messaging or controlling the air conditioning/heating).
While the survey of more than 2,000 UK drivers also found that 63% admitted to making errors while driving because of distractions.
CLICK HERE to read the full story on the most common ‘distracted driving’ mistakes while driving
According to the survey, the most common mistakes include:
- Missing junctions
- Speeding
- Accidentally driving in the wrong lane
While many drivers also admitted that they’d had ‘near misses’ because of distractions behind the wheel.
With figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) revealing that 940 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes in 2023 where driver distraction was a factor, it’s a clear sign for concern when it comes to road safety.
While many people consider mobile phone use, applying make-up or even shaving to be the most distracting things to do behind the wheel, the reality is that conversations with passengers, daydreaming and using the touchscreen are much more common distractions.
Do you think more needs to be done to tackle distracted driving? Let us know…
