Young motorists urged to put phones away after 40% admit to checking apps while driving
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Serious concerns have been raised about driver behaviour, with 40% of young motorists admitting that they check online apps while behind the wheel.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are launching a bank holiday road safety appeal as the number of deaths on Irish roads has already surpassed 100 this year.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said Ireland is "at a critical juncture" regarding road safety, after five people died in traffic accidents within the space of just 48 hours last weekend.
Data due to be released by the RSA on Wednesday highlights the prevalence of dangerous driver behaviours — with 40% of those aged under 35 admitting to checking apps "at least sometimes" while driving a car.
According to the RSA’s Mobile Device Usage Observational Survey 2023, 9% of motorists were observed using a mobile device — an increase on the figure of 6% on the 2022 survey. The study was conducted at 145 sites nationwide in September and October 2023.
It follows earlier research which found that 20% of motorists read messages or emails "often or very often", with 18% of drivers also admitting to writing texts or emails "often or very often".
The minister for state at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, has now called on drivers to put away their phones and slow down this bank holiday weekend.
"We have seen a devastating increase in road trauma this year.
"All of us have a responsibility and can play a part to stop this upward trend in road crashes," he said.
Distracted driving due to handheld mobile device usage is one of the dangerous behaviours that leads to road traffic collisions.
Recent data from the WHO indicates that drivers using a mobile phone are four times more likely to be involved in a collision.
Ahead of the bank holiday period, the RSA and An Garda Síochána are reminding drivers to slow down, remove any distractions when driving, and to share the road safely with other users.
Authorities are also concerned about the number of motorists that are now driving under the influence of drugs.
It is understood that Mr Lawless is seriously concerned about the increased prevalence of cocaine use among drivers, which may also be leading to the surge in road accidents this year and last.
New laws requiring drivers involved in serious road crashes to be tested for drugs on the roadside came into force in June.
Gardaí will have a visible enforcement presence across the country, targeting drivers speeding and drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs over the weekend.