Distraction
The dangers of distraction
Driving is a complex task. Anything that takes your mind or eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel, not only compromises your safety, but that of everyone else on the road.
Being distracted increases your chances of having a crash. It slows down your reaction times and puts you in danger of failing to see hazards such as traffic lights, stop signs or other road users, including pedestrians and bicycle riders.
Research shows that being distracted when driving, such as by a mobile phone, passengers, animals in your vehicle or loud music can increase your risk of a crash. Simply taking your eyes off the road for longer than two seconds, doubles the risk of a crash.
At 60 km/h if you are distracted while driving for just two seconds, you travel 33 metres blind. A short lapse of concentration can have lifelong consequences.
See how far you travel at different speeds when you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds
| Travel speed | Metres travelled in 2 seconds |
|---|---|
| 40 km/h | 22.22 |
| 50 km/h | 27.78 |
| 60 km/h | 33.33 |
| 80 km/h | 44.44 |
| 100 km/h | 55.56 |
Younger and novice drivers face many challenges when learning the complex task of driving a vehicle. With their relative inexperience, they can be more prone to distraction and face a higher risk of being involved in a crash.
Despite making up only about 14% of all licence holders, the crashes that involve younger drivers (aged under 26 years) accounted for almost a quarter of annual road fatalities in 2021.
For more information
Mobile phones can be a dangerous distraction. All licence holders should know the rules for how to use a mobile phone legally and safely.
Drivers need to concentrate. You can assist the driver by helping navigate, taking phone calls and limiting distractions and interactions.
Young drivers aged under 26 years make up only about 14% of all licence holders, but are over represented in annual fatalities.