Australia’s harmful driving habits revealed
A brand new survey has revealed greater than half of Australians are multi-tasking whereas driving, placing in danger not solely their lives however the lives of others.
Finder surveyed 1090 Australians to seek out out simply how many individuals are distracted whereas behind the wheel and located that 56 per cent of individuals are responsible of not paying consideration.
From texting whereas driving to consuming meals behind the wheel, to even watching a TV present or motion pictures, loads of motorists admitted to doing one thing they shouldn’t whereas behind the wheel.
The respondents of the survey have been requested if that they had multi-tasked behind the wheel prior to now 12 months.
‘Reckless habits’
Of those that weren’t giving the highway their full consideration, the largest distraction was consuming meals, with 42 per cent of individuals admitting to doing so.
And 23 per cent of individuals wore thongs as an alternative of extra appropriate sneakers whereas driving.
Not surprisingly, individuals can’t quit their telephones even when they’re driving: 13 per cent of individuals admit to capturing off a textual content, by hand, not voice management, and 9 per cent have used social media whereas driving.
“New applied sciences and busy life have introduced on a rise in reckless habits like texting whereas driving,” Gary Hunter, automobile insurance coverage knowledgeable at Finder, mentioned.
“Driving a automobile requires undivided consideration however an increasing number of individuals are driving blind.”
The most typical ‘lethal distractions’ whereas driving:
- Eaten meals: 42 per cent
- Pushed in thongs: 23 per cent
- Texted, with out voice management: 13 per cent
- Smoked: 13 per cent
- Reached within the again to take care of youngsters: 9 per cent
- Used social media: 9 per cent
- Kissed a cherished one: 8 per cent
- Modified garments: 7 per cent
- Watched a film, TV present or streaming service: 7 per cent
- Replied to an electronic mail: 7 per cent
- Shaved: 6 per cent
- Answered a name instantly, not utilizing hands-free: 6 per cent
- Pushed with knees: 5 per cent
- Utilized make-up: 4 per cent
- Learn a newspaper or e-book: 4 per cent
- Micro-slept: 3 per cent.
Mr Hunter mentioned that some drivers deal with their automobiles like their second dwelling however some duties they’re doing behind the wheel put themselves and others in danger.
“What might sound innocent like placing on a jumper or digging right into a take-away meal might end in a better danger of crashing which might result in damage or worse,” he mentioned.
“Drivers can cop fines and even prosecution if they’ve a crash and it’s decided they have been distracted.”
In line with Finder, youthful drivers usually tend to have interaction in harmful driving behaviour, with 78 per cent of Gen Z respondents saying they multi-task whereas driving.
Security switches
There are a number of switches drivers could make to make sure they’re being protected on the highway.
As an alternative of studying or watching a TV present, Mr Hunter suggests listening to a information podcast.
To stop texting whereas driving, voice to textual content will be enabled on good telephones and it means drivers can nonetheless reply whereas on the go.
As for driving in thongs, a extra appropriate pair of driving sneakers must be a straightforward swap, although it might be finest to ensure you’re sporting the appropriate sneakers earlier than you place the important thing within the ignition.
