New technology may help prevent crashes but the old-fashioned human weakness for distraction continues to be a major factor in dangerous driving, a survey has found.
Insurer AAMI found more than a third (38 per cent) of Australian drivers admit to being involved in an accident or near-miss due to distracted driving.
The advent of AEB and other ADAS technologies in vehicles has not prevented the respondents to the survey admitting to a range of behaviours that endanger them and their passengers including adjusting the radio or looking at their phone.
The survey found nine in ten drivers admit to driving distracted, but this can because by practices as common as eating while driving, 65 per cent, gazing at other drivers 40 per cent or watching accidents, 40 per cent.
Along with this AAMI’s research fund more than a third of all drivers (36 per cent) blame just thinking about other things, like work or life as a key cause of distraction.
The survey also highlights that a quarter are unlikely to change their behaviour unless they experience the consequences of their actions firsthand in a crash.
False security
AAMI Motor Prevention Manager Mary Kennedy says Australian drivers are somewhat delusional about their safety behaviour behind the wheel.
“They are more likely to blame bad behaviours on other drivers than own up to them.
“One in four drivers admit to being distracted by playing with technology such as mobile phones and smart watches, yet this jumps to 64 per cent when describing the behaviour of other drivers.
“Additionally, 40 per cent of drivers slow down and ‘gawk’ at a crash or broken-down car, which increases to more than half (61 per cent) for other drivers.
“This shows we tend to be biased towards our own behaviours, believing we are safer drivers when compared to others.
“Every year we handle more than 400,000 car insurance claims nationally, so we’ve learnt a lot about what is causing crashes and the impact this has on individuals and the wider community – and we want to help Aussie drivers become better, and safer on our roads.
Driving test
AAMI is also launching a campaign to promote access to telematics aimed at improving driving skills.
ADT uses mobile phone telematics data and insights to measure drivers across five behaviours – speeding, hard braking, cornering, acceleration and phone use. It then identifies specific areas where they can improve.
“We’ve already experimented with more than 500 million kilometres of driver data, and early analysis has shown those who start with lower driving scores and use these telematics insights become better drivers.
“These insights are now available to every Australian driver through the AAMI app.
“We’re hoping to put the knowledge and power back into drivers’ hands, so they can make informed decisions when behind the wheel, something which we all benefit from.”
Major cause
Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) CEO and Founder Russell White said: “Distraction has become one of the major contributing factors in serious crashes.
“It’s easy to forget you’re travelling in a fast-moving, heavy machine. The data shows it’s now rivalling fatigue and speeding as a major cause of road trauma.
“Anything that pulls your attention off the road, even for two seconds, can change everything.
“Whether it’s a buzzing phone, adjusting the radio, or simply daydreaming, all distractions divert attention from the task of driving and compromise reaction times and decision-making.
“Distractions fall into three main categories: visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving).
“AAMI’s research has shown that we’re exposed and tempted by a combination of these every-time we get behind the wheel.
“Your mobile phone is a triple-threat – requiring you to look at your phone, type with your hands, and focus mentally on the notification rather than the road.
“Your choices matter. Every time you drive, you control the outcome. Whatever it is – the text, the call, the quick glance – it can all wait.