Distracted driving on the rise despite awareness

A new survey found a disconnect between what drivers know and how they behave behind the wheel.

While most drivers acknowledge the importance of safe driving, many continue to engage in risky habits — especially those involving smartphones, according to the survey from U.S.-based financial services firm Nationwide.

According to the survey, 92 per cent of respondents believe drivers are looking at their phones more often than they were a year ago. Even more concerning, 11 per cent admit to reading or writing emails while driving — a behaviour that significantly increases the risk of collisions.

“Far too many people believe they’re immune to distraction or that a ‘quick check’ won’t hurt,” said Casey Kempton, president of personal lines at Nationwide. “Our latest survey data clearly reveals that these split-second decisions can have serious consequences.”

Despite widespread awareness of distracted driving laws — such as texting bans (81 per cent), hands-free requirements (76 per cent) and handheld phone restrictions (74 per cent) — fewer than half of drivers (48 per cent) believe these rules are effective in curbing dangerous behaviour.

And it’s not just phones causing concern. Nearly half of drivers (47 per cent, up six points from 2024) say that built-in touch screens and infotainment systems are also contributing to distraction. These systems, designed for navigation, communication, and entertainment, may be pulling drivers’ attention away from the road more than intended.

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