The Danger of Distracted Driving
Everyone knows the tagline – ‘don’t drive drunk’ however, many people have no problem with distracted driving. While smartphones provide constant access to social media, email and the Internet, new studies are revealing the danger of paying more attention to the phone than to the road. At Everything Fleet we want to promote safe driving, so read on for some facts about the dangers of distracting driving.
Quick Statistics
- According to the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q), hand-held phone use while driving increases the risk of crashing by 3.6 times
- Looking at your mobile phone for 3 seconds at 80km/h will mean you’re travelling blind for 67m
- When using your mobile phone you are almost four times more likely to get into a car crash
- Distraction is a contributing factor in 22% of car accidents and an alarming 71% of truck accidents
- 29% of drivers have admitted to having performed an action on their mobile phone while driving
- According to GC Law, mobile phones are a contributing factor in 46% of near crashes
- A study done by the University of Utah stated that people are as impaired when they drive and talk on a mobile phone as they are when they drive intoxicated at the legal blood-alcohol limit of 0.08%.
State or Territory | Penalty |
NSW | Fine: $362($481 in a school zone) Demerits: 5 points |
QLD | Fine: $1078 Demerits: 4 points |
NT | Fine: $500 Demerits: 3 points |
WA | Fine: $1,000 Demerits: 4 points |
SA | Fine: $534 + $60 victims of crime levy Demerits: 3 points |
ACT | Fine: $511 Demerits: 4 points |
TAS | Fine: $344 Demerits: 3 points |
VIC | Fine: $545 Demerits: 4 points |
Final Word
The message is clear – it’s time to take control of our driving habits. At Everything Fleet, we prioritize the safety of our customers above all else. For more car safety advice or tips, contact the team to see how we can help. Our dash-mounted phone holders are a ‘must have’ to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel which will make your trip as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Everything Fleet will gladly help you with any questions, walk you through your rental car options and tell you about our current specials.