Almost one accident in 10 involves the use of a telephone while at the wheel. Sending messages, but also using apps or social media seriously affect a driver's attention.
The smartphone is the only device that involves all four sources of distraction that can divert a driver's attention:
- Auditory: your attention is diverted by something you hear.
- Visual: your attention is diverted by something you see.
- Manual: your attention is diverted by what you are doing.
- Cognitive: your attention is diverted by thinking.
Risks of using a smartphone while driving:
- Telephoning while at the wheel multiplies the risk of an accident by 3, reading or writing a message by 23.
- Sending a message diverts a driver's attention for 5 seconds.
- While you are looking at your phone for 2 seconds at 130 km/h you will have travelled 150 m.
However, smartphones are not the only thing that can distract drivers. That being the case, follow this advice:
- Concentrate on the road, even in a traffic jam.
- Avoid doing anything else but driving.
- Set your radio and satnav before you set off.
- Be aware that even conversation with passengers is a source of distraction.
- Avoid eating and drinking while you are driving.
- Remember and take account of the fact that other road users can be distracted.
- If you find that you are having difficulty concentrating on the road, stop and have a break.