Hands Off If Not Talking Hands-Free, Oz Drivers Say

Most Australian drivers say texting or making calls while on the road reduces reaction times and is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol.

The 2015 Volvo Car Australia Safety Index finds 87% of drivers surveyed think this way and more than 42% support an outright ban on using mobile phones while driving as a way to improve safety.

Some 70% of drivers say they would support big increases in fines and penalties for those who flout the laws on texting or talking on mobile phones.

All Australian states and territories have laws requiring mobile phones to be operated hands-free or placed in a commercial cradle. Each year more than 120,000 drivers around the country are fined for illegally texting or talking on the phone while driving.

Volvo’s national online survey of licensed drivers in all states and territories conducted over two weeks finds illegal use of mobiles is most prevalent in drivers less than 35 years of age, with about half admitting to regularly texting, making calls or web surfing without hands-free.

Asked why they did this even though it is illegal, 32% said they did it out of habit; 26% said they can multitask while driving; 22% want to remain connected to family, friends or work; and 7% say they are addicted to texting.

Kevin McCann, managing director-Volvo Car Australia, says the strong support nationally for heavier fines and an outright ban on mobile-phone use in cars highlights growing concerns about safety on the roads.

“With one in three drivers admitting to making a call or texting while behind the wheel there is still much work to be done to reduce distractions for road users,” McCann says.

The survey “shows many drivers believe that ‘driving is for driving’ – not for chatting, organizing social events, texting, reading or any of the diverse in-vehicle activities that can divert attention and affect safe driving,” he says.