Ten per cent of drivers admit to texting while driving

One in 10 motorists admit to regularly texting while driving, according to new research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

The statistics have prompted the RSA and An Garda Síochána to urge drivers to put their mobile phones away when driving.

The Driver Attitudes & Behaviour Survey 2020[1] also revealed that 9% of motorists admit to driving and talking on a handheld mobile phone and 9% of motorists regularly check mobile apps while behind the wheel.

International research has found that you are four times more likely to crash if using a handheld phone while driving. Texting, using social media, or messaging increases the risk substantially. In fact, drivers spend up to 400% more time with their eyes off the road when text messaging than when not texting messaging.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton said: “International research has shown that the risk of a collision when using a handheld mobile phone is four times higher. Despite the warnings, the threat of penalty points, the constant reminders of the dangers, some people are still refusing to heed the message. With the loosening of travel restrictions and the opening of outdoor sports facilities and visitor attractions, more people will be on the road this Bank Holiday Weekend. Many of whom will still be getting used to being behind the wheel of a car again. The message is simple, put the phone away while driving and take extra care on the roads this May Bank Holiday weekend.”

A total of eight people have been killed and 58 people seriously injured over the May Bank Holiday weekend between 2016-2020.

To date in 2021, a total of 40 people have died on Irish roads, 13 less than the same period in 2020.