Would It Kill You To Put Your Phone Away? RSA Warns Texting And Driving Can Be Fatal

Between the morning commute, the school run and trying to grab breakfast on the go, it's incredibly tempting to multitask. However focusing on anything else other than driving while on the road could be a fatal distraction. Taking your mind and eyes off the road for a split second can destroy everything forever.

Mobile phones remain one of the biggest distractions on our roads. Looking at your screen for just one second while travelling at 50 kmh means you travel 14 metres blind. You're four times more likely to crash if you use a phone while driving. Crucially, there’s no safety benefit to using a phone hands-free instead of a handheld device.

Understanding the Impact

Distraction affects your ability to drive safely in four distinct ways:

• Physically: Drivers take their hands off the steering wheel to manipulate a phone, grab a coffee or reach into the back seat.
• Visually: Taking your eyes off the road to check a notification or look back at children. Even when looking forward during a hands-free call drivers often 'look but not see'.
• Auditory: Tuning out the surrounding road environment to focus on the sounds of a phone call.
• Cognitively: Your mental focus diverts from the physical act of driving to a work conversation or an argument with passengers.

Penalties and Prevention

The penalty for holding a mobile phone while driving is severe. It carries a €120 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence. To keep yourself and your family safe preparation is key.

• Manage your tech: Activate 'driving mode' or 'focus mode' via your phone's settings before you turn the key. This ensures you won't be distracted by incoming calls and notifications.
• Prepare the car: Ensure all children are in the correct child seat. Keep them entertained with snacks and activities so they don't distract you.
• Secure your pets: Ensure any animals are restrained appropriately in the back or the boot.
• Finish tasks beforehand: Eat, drink and apply makeup before you head out on the road or wait until you arrive.

The safest choice you can make for yourself and other road users is to put your phone away until you arrive safely.