The impact of driver distraction on road safety: Results from a representative survey in two Australian states

Abstract

Objective: To quantify the prevalence and effects of distracting activities while driving. Design: Cross sectional driver survey. Setting: New South Wales and Western Australia, Australia. Participants: 1347 licensed drivers aged between 18 and 65 years. Data were weighted to reflect the corresponding driving population. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of distracting activities while driving; perceived risks and adverse outcomes due to distractions. Results: The most common distracting activities during the most recent driving trip were lack of concentration (weighted percentage (standard error, SE) 71.8% (1.4%) of drivers); adjusting in-vehicle equipment (68.7% (1.5%)); outside people, ob..