Skip to main content

Driver distraction issues

A new report highlights driver distraction issues.
By MJ Woof March 30, 2022 Read time: 1 min
Surveys reveal that many drivers risk using cellphones at the wheel – image © courtesy of Mike Woof
A survey of drivers in Canada reveals that many are continuing to use cellphones at the wheel, despite this now being illegal. According to the survey carried out in British Columbia, 42% of drivers asked admitted using their cellphones while driving for 10% or more of journeys.

At the same time, 93% of the drivers in the survey are aware texting at the wheel is dangerous and 84% recognise that using a cellphone to make a call while driving is dangerous. Research shows that cellphone use at the wheel presents similar risks to drivers being under the influence of drink or drugs.

Crash data from British Colombia reveals that distracted driving is a factor in 25% of fatal crashes. The authorities are looking to implement further enforcement measures in a bid to reduce the casualty rate. Tackling distracted driving is seen as a key task to improving road safety.

Related Content

  • Driving is risky business for young
    March 18, 2016
    Young drivers are at high risk from crashing according to a new survey carried out in France. The survey was carried out by the GMV Conseil engineering firm for Allianz France. This reveals that risky behaviour for young drivers poses a wider hazard. A key risk comes from dangerous attitudes linked to new technologies. The study says that 19% of the 3,000 young people aged 15 - 30 use a cellphone while driving, and 18% look at emails and messages. Meanwhile 12% admit that they have already driven after drin
  • Powered two wheeler safety risk for French riders
    June 29, 2023
    There is a powered two wheeler safety risk for French riders.
  • Distracted driving dangers in the US
    June 1, 2023
    Distracted driving and lack of seatbelt use pose dangers in the US.
  • Speeding and distracted present major road safety threats
    November 21, 2016
    Speeding and distracted driving are key concerns for UK road users. Those are seen as the highest threat to safety according to a survey carried out jointly by road safety charity Brake, Aviva and Specsavers. The survey asked 1,000 drivers to identify which driving behaviour, from a list of six, they thought posed the biggest danger. And 76% ranked speeding or distraction most highly. Driving under the influence was also ranked highly, with 18% thinking drink- and drug-drivers are the biggest threat. But