Older drivers are more likely to be distracted by their phones when driving than younger generation drivers, new international research suggests.
A United States report by Volvo has found Generation X are more distracted on the road compared to their Generation Z children.
Volvo New Zealand general manager Coby Duggan says distracted driving is a significant issue around the world and it’s often attributed to a younger, tech savvy age group.
Latest NZ Ministry of Transport figures indicate that each year over 100 Kiwi drivers involved in crashes resulting in fatality or injury contributed to the accident through being distracted by a cell phone.
Duggan says the ministry’s data also shows that for every 100 New Zealand drivers or riders who died in road crashes where diverted attention was a contributing factor, 85 passengers and another 100 road users also lost their lives.
“Distracted driving is a significant issue on our roads and is a contributing factor in around eight per cent of fatal crashes in this country.
“Like the US, this issue is evident across generations and affects all road users – including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists,” he says.
Duggan says many of those surveyed in the Volvo research felt there are more driving distractions today than there were five years ago.
More than half of those surveyed (55%) say the top threat to safety on the road is driving distracted, compared to driving under the influence (31%).
The research also found Generation X and Millennials consistently outpace Zs in phone usage across multiple activities. Parents are primary culprits of using their phones behind the wheel (73% vs 66% overall). One in three parents admit to using their phones often when their children are with them in the car.
Another 64% of those surveyed say they are looking for ways to cut down on the distractions. Among Generation Z that number rises to 89%. A total 33% surveyed drive in silence to minimize distractions and 32% turn their phone onto “do not disturb” to eliminate notifications.
A total 89% of respondents feel we need better education around the impact of distracted driving.
