Sending or reading texts has been identified as the most common dangerously distracting activity for drivers on our roads.
Other distracting activities included charging / searching for music (8%) and taking or making a phone call (7%). Just over 5 percent of drivers highlighted checking email or the internet as a reason for a near miss in the past. Searching for the right music was the most common distracting activity by respondents (73%), followed by mobile phone use - calling and/or texting (65%) and eating or drinking (44%).
Some 48 percent of women said phone usage is their main distracting activity behind the wheel (33% men). Men found that eating or drinking, and searching for music were the joint most distracting activities. However, twice as many women cited smoking or lighting cigarettes as a regular distraction (14% versus 7% of men).
Tom Dennigan from Continental Tyres Ireland says: "As a driver, paying attention to your surroundings is vital to ensure both your safety and that of other road users." He said, despite all the safety campaigns targeting the dangers of mobile phone use while driving, it was shocking to see it highlighted as the main reason for a 'near miss' by so many drivers. He said it won't hurt you to put away the phone while you are behind the wheel, 'but using it just might'.
Cyclists were found to be the biggest distraction for drivers (60%), followed by children in the car (37%) and pedestrians (nearly 40%). Other motorist were highlighted by one in four of respondents as key sources of distraction.
