Distracted Drivers Put Lives At Risk

10 August 2015, 07:50 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A survey of motorists has revealed nearly a fifth are going online while driving

The findings have led the Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership to begin publicising the message 'Switch off before you drive off'. 

The IAM survey also revealed that:

• nine per cent of drivers have taken a selfie while driving in the last month
• eight per cent of motorists take part in video calls while driving
• seven per cent of drivers watch videos or catch-up TV while on the road

Interim partnership manager Matt Pickard said: "Please don't put lives at risk by driving while distracted. If you're using a mobile or tablet you can't give the road your full attention - and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.

"Getting distracted by technology is an even bigger problem among younger drivers, according to the survey. Breaking down the figures by age group reveals that more than a third of 25-34 year-olds and over a quarter of 18-24 year-olds go online while driving"