What Distracts Motorists Most?

Tuesday, 13. July 2010

Autoglass carried out a survey to see what distracted motorists most. Whilst not top of the list and it depends who and when the survey was carried out children in the car distracted a high number of drivers, in fact 36%. The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) reported that back seat brawls reduced reaction levels of the driver to that of those driving on the drink drive limit. Direct Line commissioned the study which found drivers who lost their cool as a result of arguing or fighting children braked too hard, drove too close to the vehicle in front and were less able to maintain a steady speed. They also found that stopping distances whilst travelling at 70mph increased by 4 metres. Here are the findings of Autoglass who investigated the top ten driving distractions:

Distraction	% of Drivers
Texting	51
Talking On Phone	45
Tuning Radio	40
Rubber Necking	40
Eating/Drinking	37
Children In Car	36
Chatting To Passengers	32
Road Rage	32
Arguing	31
Lighting A Cigarette	29

So there you have it. Do you have any views on the above findings? Do bear them in mind before you embark on a journey of several hours for your summer holidays. Putting the suitcases on the rear seat and sticking the kids in the boot may sound like a good idea but the NSPCC might have something to say about it. By Graham Hill