Distractions
DID YOU KNOW?
- 83% of drivers think about something other than their driving when behind the wheel
- Driver distraction can also be referred to as diverted attention
- Most crashes occur during the peak morning and evening commuting period
- It is now illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving
- Younger drivers aged 15-19 years are more at risk of being distracted – this risk applies in general to the younger drivers age group as they are over–represented in the crash statistics
- In NZ 67% of driver distraction fatal crashes occurred on open roads (speed limits over 70 km/h)
- In 2013, diverted attention was a factor in 1028 crashes of which 21 were fatal and 141 were serious injury crashes
- Factors which can cause a driver to lose concentration –
- GPS devices
- Mobile phones
- Accessing objects in vehicle
- Rubber-necking
- Dealing with passengers or pets
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE THE RISK?
- Focus on the task in hand – driving
- Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards
- Adjust all driver controls (seat, mirrors, radio) before you start driving
- Have a clean windscreen
- Take regular breaks
- Turn off your mobile phone