Aussies’ lives are endangered for making this habit while driving
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As we navigate the roads of our beautiful country, it's easy to forget that driving is a privilege that comes with significant responsibility.
However, a recent survey by Finder has revealed some startling truths about the habits of Australian drivers that could be putting us all at risk.
It seems that the art of focusing solely on the road is becoming a lost skill, with millions of motorists admitting to engaging in dangerous multitasking while driving.
The survey, conducted in September, included 1,000 drivers and showed that over half admitted to losing focus while behind the wheel.
Distractions are not just limited to changing the radio station or talking to a passenger; they've escalated to activities that are not only hazardous but also illegal.
Texting while driving remains a prevalent issue, with around 13 per cent of Aussies, equating to approximately 2.75 million drivers, admitting to this dangerous practice.
Despite the hefty fines and demerit points that can be incurred—up to $1161 in fines in Queensland and a loss of 5 demerit points in New South Wales—the message to put the phone down seems to be falling on deaf ears.
But it doesn't stop there. More than 1 in 10 drivers check social media, and some even watch TV shows or movies or change their clothes while driving.
In a particularly shocking revelation, 5 per cent of drivers admitted to shaving, and 6 per cent to applying makeup behind the wheel.
The survey also highlighted a generational divide in driving habits.
A staggering 67 per cent of younger generation drivers confessed to multitasking while driving, with 24 per cent of them texting, compared to a mere 2 per cent of baby boomers.
The national road toll has been on the rise, with 1,322 Australians losing their lives in the 12 months leading up to August 2024, marking a 9.2 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE).
Tim Bennett, a car insurance expert at Finder, expressed grave concerns about distracted drivers.
‘Everyday tasks like responding to emails and applying makeup can become deadly distractions when done behind the wheel of a car,’ he said.
‘Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have devastating results.’
Have you witnessed distracted driving on the roads? How do you ensure you stay focused while driving? Let us know in the comments below!
However, a recent survey by Finder has revealed some startling truths about the habits of Australian drivers that could be putting us all at risk.
It seems that the art of focusing solely on the road is becoming a lost skill, with millions of motorists admitting to engaging in dangerous multitasking while driving.
The survey, conducted in September, included 1,000 drivers and showed that over half admitted to losing focus while behind the wheel.
A survey has revealed that over 1,000 drivers admitted to losing focus on the road. Credit: Shutterstock
Distractions are not just limited to changing the radio station or talking to a passenger; they've escalated to activities that are not only hazardous but also illegal.
Texting while driving remains a prevalent issue, with around 13 per cent of Aussies, equating to approximately 2.75 million drivers, admitting to this dangerous practice.
Despite the hefty fines and demerit points that can be incurred—up to $1161 in fines in Queensland and a loss of 5 demerit points in New South Wales—the message to put the phone down seems to be falling on deaf ears.
But it doesn't stop there. More than 1 in 10 drivers check social media, and some even watch TV shows or movies or change their clothes while driving.
In a particularly shocking revelation, 5 per cent of drivers admitted to shaving, and 6 per cent to applying makeup behind the wheel.
The survey also highlighted a generational divide in driving habits.
A staggering 67 per cent of younger generation drivers confessed to multitasking while driving, with 24 per cent of them texting, compared to a mere 2 per cent of baby boomers.
The national road toll has been on the rise, with 1,322 Australians losing their lives in the 12 months leading up to August 2024, marking a 9.2 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE).
Tim Bennett, a car insurance expert at Finder, expressed grave concerns about distracted drivers.
‘Everyday tasks like responding to emails and applying makeup can become deadly distractions when done behind the wheel of a car,’ he said.
‘Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have devastating results.’
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