A recent survey has brought to light troubling statistics regarding distracted driving among Australians. An alarming 90% of respondents admitted to driving while distracted, with 30% stating they wouldn’t adjust their risky behaviour unless an accident occurs. Police statistics indicate that distracted driving is a significant factor in approximately 200 road fatalities annually, and one-third of those surveyed reported being involved in accidents or close calls due to distractions.
Common distractions include texting, talking on mobile phones, eating, or using dashboard touchscreens. Additionally, nearly 40% of drivers confessed to being sidetracked by observing other road users, such as pedestrians or fellow motorists. Mary Kennedy from AAMI noted that many Australians have a skewed perception of their driving habits, often blaming the reckless behaviour of others rather than recognising their own faults.
While 40% of participants acknowledged their use of technology while driving, the perception of such behaviour seems to escalate when discussing other drivers, with that number jumping to two-thirds. This illustrates a consistent bias, where individuals view their own driving as safer compared to that of others.
Moreover, a concerning trend was noted: many people admitted that they would not modify their driving habits until a crash directly affected them or someone they care about. Government data reveals that there were 1,353 road fatalities in the year leading up to August 2025, with 118 occurring in that month alone, marking a distressing 25% increase compared to the average for August over the past five years.
This situation underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and action regarding distracted driving in Australia.