A FELLA started a thread on social media recently where he posed a simple question: ‘What is the No.1 problem that is making our roads more dangerous?’
Normally in these circumstances, you would expect a whole range of answers: Poor roads, declining driving skills, drink and drugs - and, naturally, you would expect the poor aul cyclist to get it in the neck too!
But that didn’t happen.
Instead, virtually every single response came up with the same reason for poor driving: Phone distraction. More specifically, motorists using their phones while behind the wheel to read, text, swipe, and carry out a multitude of other functions, as though they weren’t careering along in charge of two tons of lethal metal that should require all their concentration.
The near-unanimity of answers briefly stopped me in my tracks. It would have been my answer too, but what struck me was how common this problem seems to be.
You don’t need an expensive study, or a major survey, to conclude that the rise of the smartphone is at least one hugely important factor in the declining standards of driving, and the resulting rises in the numbers of accidents, deaths, and injuries on our roads.
The dogs in the street - no doubt swerving to avoid another distracted driver - know it too.
All of this is purely anecdotal, but is no less undeniable for that. We see it all the time, while out walking on pavements, while on buses, when driving or cycling.
Think about it: We live in a mobile phone society, where people are connected every moment of the day. At home, in work, walking the street, in restaurants and pubs, at matches. Smartphone addiction is real.
Do we, therefore, seriously expect this addiction not to extend to the driving seat too?
Picture a person cruising along on a clear road, when they spot their device. The addiction kicks in: They fear they are missing out, they need that dopamine hit of social media. Has someone emailed me? Was that a beep I heard on my WhatsApp?
Then, bang.
Or maybe they got away with it... this time,
Put like that, how endemic do you think phone distraction is on our roads?
Well, in 2021, a Driver Attitudes & Behaviour Survey found that almost a quarter of motorists admitted to checking mobile phone notifications while driving. Some 37% admitted not practicing safe mobile phone behaviour, which includes turning off your phone, switching it to silent, or keeping it out of sight.
I’m calling bullshine on that survey. I reckon the problem is even worse.
Motorists are aware how dangerous phone distraction is - but many cannot help themselves. They are literally an accident waiting to happen.
International research reveals that drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a collision if they use their mobile phone while driving.
Since this is not a problem that even existed perhaps a decade ago - are phones a primary reason for the deteriorating driving most of us can see is a major problem on our roads?
Let’s face it: Our vehicles are safer and generally newer, our roads are better or at least as good as they were a decade ago. Yet, despite all this, the number of bumps, crashes, and accidents is off the charts.
I believe if we were to find a way to stamp out phone distraction, we would go a long way to reducing the toll of deaths and injuries on our roads.
How to do it?
Let’s start with a simple question to all motorists. Where do you put your phone when you are driving? Within arm’s reach, down the side of the door or beside the gear stick?
Why? You’re not going to use it, are you? Would you leave cigarettes and matches within arm’s reach if you were trying to give up smoking?
Why not put the phone in the back seat or the boot, or at least somewhere you cannot reach it, even if it rings or pings? Or better still, why not just switch it off?
Removing the temptation to pick up the phone will surely help to make our roads safer and concentrate minds behind the wheel.
Some motorists might think that if they get stuck stationary in a long line of traffic, they can have a quick flick through their phone. Not so, it is an offence to even hold a mobile phone in your hand, or to support it with another part of your body (for example, between your head and shoulder), while driving. The only exception is if you are calling emergency services.
Those falling foul of this law face a €60 fine and receive three penalty points. Perhaps the Government could make that €500 and six penalty points, in order to convey the seriousness of the offence, and really clampdown on offenders.
If you’re a motorist who wants to remove any temptation to pick up your phone when driving, there are several ways to do it.
There are mobile phone apps that can automatically disable certain functions, or send automated responses to incoming calls and texts while the user is driving.
Additionally, some cars are equipped with features that can block certain phone functions or even phone signals when the vehicle is in motion.
It seems that often with driver safety, the technology is there, but not the willingness of governments and authorities to use it. More joined-up thinking is required by the car and phone industries too.
As long ago as 2008, scientists in the U.S had invented a car ignition key that connected up to Bluetooth when the vehicle was in motion, to stop phone calls and texts being made.
The scientists were responding to fears 16 YEARS AGO that phone use was prevalent behind the wheel, especially among young people, and that driving while talking on a phone was as dangerous as driving drunk.
We have largely made drink-driving unacceptable in Ireland, now we need to do the same with phone use.
Back in 2017, a new €6 gadget called TouchLock was hailed that could be fitted as standard on all new cars. This clever bit of kit uses a tiny transmitter under the driver’s seat and software on the smartphone to work out when you shouldn’t be using it. It knows when you are driving and locks you out of your phone.
Perhaps these technologies are an area that Transport Minster Eamon Ryan and the Road Safety Authority can prioritise as they seek to address the carnage on our roads.
At the very least, a campaign advising motorists on apps or devices they can use to disable their phones while driving would be handy.
Maybe the insurance industry could get on board too, and offer reduced rates if a driver provides proof that their phone cannot be used behind the wheel.
Garda patrols catching and fining offenders, along with stiffer penalties, would surely make a difference, in that half hour alloted to each of their shifts dedicated to road safety.
A crackdown on phone use - either with a carrot or stick - could really make a difference to road safety.
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