New research shows 3 in 4 Aussie drivers multi-task behind the wheel despite dangers
Driver distraction results in up to one in 10 fatalities and around 14 per cent of all car crashes every year. Despite these statistics Aussie drivers still multi-task behind the wheel.A survey of 1000 Australian drivers commissioned by insurance comparison website comparethemarket.com.au looked at drivers who admitted to doing at least one of the eight most common car distractions when on the road.
The distractions include eating, texting, drinking, looking for an item in the back seat, using apps and watching videos, wearing headphones and doing hair and makeup. With these activities occurring while the car is moving, in slow gridlock traffic or stopped at traffic lights.
Three-quarters (78 per cent) of drivers admitted to multi-tasking behind the wheel with 34 per cent admitting to consuming beverages while driving. 29 per cent said they ate while they drove.
According to the report, drivers in their 30s are the worst offenders when it comes to multi-tasking driving with 48 per cent admitted to eating while driving. 45 per cent texted in gridlock traffic or at the traffic lights and 39 per cent said they used mobile apps while stopped.
Almost one in ten drivers say that they have reached for an item in the back seat while driving, while 43 per cent said they've done so while the vehicle was stopped. Doing this is incredibly hazardous, with the chance of crashing or having a near-miss doubling when drivers look away from the road for more than two seconds.
Drivers in all states and territories can be fined for distracted driving, for not having proper control of the vehicle, or touching their phones while driving. At the end of 2019, the NSW state government introduced world-first mobile phone detection cameras across the state with a total of 3303 drivers busted using their phone while driving within the first week of the camera's operation.
The fines and penalties are listed below for each state and territory.
Fine and demerit points lost by State | |||||||
Driving offences | NSW | VIC | QLD | ACT | WA | TAS | SA |
Illegally operating a mobile phone while driving | $344 + 5 points | $496 + 4 points | $1000 + 4 points | $480 + 3 points | $400 + 3 points | $300 + 3 points | $534 + 3 points |
Driver failing to wear a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt | $344 + 3 points | $330 + 3 points | $400 + 3 points | $330 + 3 points | $550 + 4 points | $336 + 3 points | $381 + 3 points |
Not having proper control of the vehicle or driving without due care | $457 + 3 points | $397 + 3 points | $533 + 3 points | $297 | $100 + 1 point | $168 | Up to $2500 + 3 points |
Negligent driving | In cases not occasioning death or grievous bodily harm, drivers receive an infringement notice and 3 demerits points |
Related: ADVICE: Is it legal to eat while driving in Australia?
Related: Car advice: Mobile phone laws explained
Related: Car etiquette: The dos and just don’ts of back-seat burgers
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