October 15th 2024.
According to recent research, it seems that many drivers in Australia are putting themselves and others at risk by trying to do too many things at once while driving. The study, which surveyed 1000 drivers in September, found that over half of them admitted to losing focus while behind the wheel.
What's even more concerning is that a significant number of drivers are still using their phones while driving, despite it being illegal. In fact, about 13 per cent of Aussies are guilty of texting while driving, which translates to around 2.75 million drivers. And it doesn't stop there - more than 1 in 10 drivers have confessed to checking social media while driving.
These dangerous behaviors are not only against the law, but they also come with hefty fines and demerit points. In Queensland, the fine for using a mobile phone while driving can reach up to $1161, while in New South Wales, it can result in a loss of 5 demerit points. And yet, many drivers continue to engage in these risky behaviors.
The survey also uncovered some shocking habits among drivers, such as watching TV or movies, changing clothes, and even shaving or putting on makeup while driving. It's hard to believe, but 5 per cent of drivers have admitted to shaving behind the wheel, while 6 per cent have applied makeup while driving.
Unfortunately, these dangerous driving trends are more common among younger Australians. An alarming 67 per cent of Gen Z drivers confessed to multitasking while driving, compared to only 2 per cent of baby boomers. This is especially concerning considering that the national road toll has been on the rise in recent years.
As of August 2024, 1,322 Australians had lost their lives in road accidents, which is a 9.2 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics. This is why Tim Bennett, a car insurance expert at Finder, emphasizes the seriousness of distracted driving.
Bennett warns that seemingly harmless tasks like checking emails or putting on makeup can quickly turn deadly when done behind the wheel. Even a few seconds of taking your eyes off the road can have devastating consequences. Yet, despite these dangers, the survey revealed that younger drivers are more likely to engage in risky multitasking while driving.
In fact, almost a quarter of Gen Z drivers admitted to texting while driving in the past 12 months, compared to only 2 per cent of baby boomers. This highlights the need for increased awareness and stricter measures to discourage distracted driving among all age groups. Let's all do our part to make the roads safer for everyone.
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