Texting while driving has topped a national list of driver distractions, alongside reading the newspaper. Photo/file
Texting while driving has topped a national list of driver distractions, alongside reading the newspaper. Photo/file
Texting and reading a newspaper or magazine while driving are both rated the number one driver distractions this year, according to AA Insurance's latest survey.
The Drivers Index survey, which asked 1000 regular Kiwi drivers aged 18+ years to rate 12 distractions, found that while 84 per cent of respondents regarded both activities distracting, one in five Kiwis still send text messages while driving, with almost 50 per cent of younger drivers (18-24 years) flouting the law.
Just last week in Tauranga, a cockroach was blamed for causing a three-car collision after a driver became distracted by it scurrying across her dashboard.
AA Insurance customer relations manager Amelia Macandrew said texting remained the top driver distration for the fourth consecutive year, while reading rose from second from last year to tie with the top spot this year.
"Distractions are a major cause of accidents, with 10 per cent of drivers surveyed admitting they'd crashed because they were distracted," she said.
"Reading - even while stuck in traffic - or using your mobile phone, may seem like a good use of time, but you're risking your safety, as well as the safety of others. Trying to multitask while driving could result in a serious or expensive accident, because if you take your eyes off the road, you're basically driving blind."
People outside the car were also a problem for over 20 per cent of respondents, with one quarter of men from this group admitting they're more likely to find attractive pedestrians a distraction than women (11 per cent) do.
A cockroach was blamed for a three-car collision at Turret Rd. Photo/file
One AA Insurance customer became distracted by an attractive young woman on the footpath, while he was driving to work. He hit the car that had stopped in front of him, which resulted in a $2,300 claim for his car, plus damages to the other vehicle.
Top 10 List of Driver Distractions* (Source: AA Insurance Driver Index survey 2014) 1. 1st equal: Texting on a mobile phone & Reading a newspaper or magazine 2. Applying make-up, shaving or other personal grooming 3. Talking on a mobile phone WITHOUT a hands-free kit 4. Changing the radio/iPod/MP3 player 5. Eating while driving 6. Children in the car 7. 7th equal: Talking on a mobile phone WITH a hands-free kit & Using GPS or other navigation system 8. Billboards /outdoor advertising 9. People outside the car 10. Passenger in the car
The survey also found talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free kit increased one place to third most common distraction since last year, with 20 per cent of drivers ignoring the November 2009 law change. One in three 25-34 year olds admitted they still call illegally, as well as two in five 18-24 year olds.
One customer became distracted when she tried to answer her mobile phone while driving. She accidentally clipped another car, causing her vehicle to flip and roll. The result was the total loss of her $12,000 car, as well as damage to the other vehicle.
"It pays to constantly monitor your driving, keep distractions within the car to a minimum, and your mind on driving safely," said Ms Macandrew.
"Before you start driving switch your mobile on silent, or set up a hands-free kit, enter an address into the GPS, ensure the kids are entertained, and keep reading material out of reach," she said.
"Without these common distractions your focus can then remain on the road, where it should be."
