Most Common Driver Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle crashes in Australia. If you drive distracted and do not give the task of driving your full attention, you significantly increase the risk of being involved in a collision. Recent studies suggest that Australian drivers are distracted up to 45% of the time they’re driving – which greatly increases the risk of crashing.
In this article, the team at LTrent Driving School will discuss the top causes of driver distraction, answer common questions, and share tips to help you avoid distractions and drive safely.
What Is the Most Common Driver Distraction?
Statistics consistently show that using a mobile phone (especially texting or talking on cellphones) while driving is the most common driver distraction. In Australia, it’s estimated that around 25% of all crashes involve mobile phone use. The simple act of looking at your phone for directions, notifications, or calls can take your eyes off the road and reduce your reaction time, which often leads to driving distracted with potentially fatal consequences.
What Is Most Likely to Distract You While Driving?
Everyone’s triggers differ, but here are the most likely distractions:
- Smartphone use (texting, calling, checking notifications)
- Adjusting radio or climate controls (e.g., fiddling with knobs or displays)
- Eating and drinking in the car
- Conversations with passengers (especially for young drivers)
- Daydreaming (a cognitive distraction)
- Events outside the vehicle (billboards, roadside accidents, scenery)
- Grooming (e.g., applying makeup, smoking, fixing hair)
- Reaching for items (phone in the back seat, water bottle, etc.)
Each of these can compromise your full attention and increase your risk of crashing.
Top Causes of Driver Distraction
Using a Mobile Phone (Texting, Calling, or Browsing)
Using your phone while driving is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Even hands free usage can create cognitive distractions because your mind isn’t fully focused on driving.
According to a Sydney Morning Herald report, simply reaching for your mobile phone can increase your chance of an accident by up to nine times.
Not only are you breaking electronic device laws, but you also risk heavy fines and demerit points. It’s never worth it.
Adjusting Vehicle Settings
Adjusting radio or climate controls, configuring your car’s GPS, or adjusting music or controls can all be manual distractions. Each moment you spend with your eyes off the road raises your chance of a collision.
If possible, set everything up before driving, or have your passengers make changes for you while you keep your attention on the task of driving.
Passengers, Including Pets
Unruly passengers or moving objects like pets can easily pull your focus away from the road.
Young drivers are particularly vulnerable to peer distraction, so it’s important to establish and enforce ground rules to maintain your full attention on the road.
Eating and Drinking
Eating and drinking in the car might seem harmless, but it requires you to take your hands off the steering wheel and often your eyes off the road. Studies show that drivers who consume food or beverages while driving have a higher likelihood of causing or being involved in crashes.
Grooming & Personal Care
Applying makeup, smoking, or other grooming activities in the car forces you to split your attention. Even a few seconds of mirror-checking can mean traveling tens of metres without proper awareness.
These are clear manual distractions (hands off the wheel) and visual distractions (eyes off the road).
Fatigue & Daydreaming
Fatigue can lead to daydreaming, one of the most dangerous cognitive distractions. When you’re mentally drifting, your reaction time plummets.
If you’re tired, take a break. Avoid pushing through drowsiness and risking a microsleep that could lead to a serious collision.
Roadside Distractions & Events Outside the Vehicle
Billboards, accidents on the shoulder, or interesting scenery can also divert your attention. This phenomenon, often called “rubbernecking,” is a common contributor to rear-end collisions and slowdowns.
Reaching for Items
Whether you’re trying to grab a phone or any other object, reaching for items means part of your body is turned away from the wheel. This can easily result in swerving or delayed reactions.
Multitasking While Driving
Brainstorming a work problem or planning your day while driving might not seem like a distraction, but it takes vital mental capacity away from the road. Avoid any activity that divides your focus.
Learn more about the types of distractions while driving.
The Dangers of Just “Two Seconds” Off the Road
Looking at your phone or any other distraction for just 2 seconds at 60 km/h means you won’t be looking at the road for about 30 metres of travel – a statistic highlighted here. In those 30 metres, anything can happen — a car may brake unexpectedly, a pedestrian could step onto the roadway, or an obstacle might appear in your lane. Always remember how quickly situations can change.
Avoid Distractions And Drive Safely With These Tips!
Whether it’s texting, eating and drinking, or chatting with passengers, any form of driver distraction can have severe consequences. At 60 km/h, just a few seconds of inattention is enough to create a dangerous situation. Keep in mind that using a phone while driving isn’t just risky — it’s also against electronic device laws with harsh penalties such as demerit points and significant fines.
Staying safe means giving the task of driving your full attention. You’ll protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road from the risk of crashing.
Ready to Develop Safer Driving Habits?
If you’re looking to enhance your driving skills and master techniques that reduce driver distraction, consider enrolling in a Safer Driving Course. It’s a valuable step toward responsible driving practices — and can help you keep distractions at bay while you’re on the road.
Visit LTrent Driving School now to enrol!