Almost 20% Of People Admit To Reading Texts and Emails While Driving, RSA Survey Finds

Thursday, 7 July 2022 14:18

By Caoimhe Harney

Almost 1 in 4 drivers have said they check their mobile phone while driving.

Almost 1 in 4 drivers have said they check their mobile phone notifications while driving.

Some 19% said they read messages or emails, 13% write messages or emails behind the wheel, while 12% of motorists say they check social media.

The RSA’s Driver Attitudes & Behaviour Survey 2021, 37% said they don't follow the advice to turn their phone off or put it on silent while driving, or keeping it out of sight.

Gardai and the Road Safety Authority are appealing to drivers not to check their phones while driving, with people four times more likely to be involved in a collision if they use their phone while driving.

Brian Farrell of the RSA says there is evidence to suggest using a phone while driving could result in a collision.

"International evidence shows that you are four more times more likely to be involved in a collision when you're on a phone.

"So we're just reminding drivers to please put away their mobile phone.

"Either switch it off, put it on silent, put it out of reach, or put it on car safety mode," said Farrell.

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