Survey Reveals Ongoing Driver Distraction Problem

A new survey released for National Road Safety Week has revealed a growing gap between what Australian drivers believe about road safety and how they behave behind the wheel.

The report found ninety-two per cent of motorists agree mobile phone use while driving is dangerous, yet almost one-third of Gen Z drivers and more than one-quarter of Millennials admit checking notifications within minutes of receiving them.

Many younger drivers also reported reading messages at traffic lights or taking photos and videos behind the wheel, despite widespread awareness of the risks linked to distraction on Australian roads.

National Road Safety Week founder Peter Frazer says the findings show distraction remains a major safety concern despite years of public awareness campaigns encouraging motorists to avoid phone use while driving.

The research also found eating while driving was considered the nation’s biggest distraction overall, ahead of mobile phone use and arguing with passengers, while Victorian motorists were identified as the most likely to report frustration behind the wheel.

National Road Safety Week runs until the twenty-fourth of May, with landmarks around the country lighting up in yellow to remember lives lost on Australian roads and promote safer driving behaviour.