New research released by RACT Insurance shows young Tasmanians are dicing with death
on our roads, with more than 1 in 8 young drivers regularly texting or emailing while behind
the wheel.
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said the company’s research showed 13 per cent of
drivers aged between 18-29 admitted to regularly checking their emails or texts while they
were driving, compared with just one per cent of drivers over the age of 60.
“These statistics are quite concerning, particularly as they will most likely rise with the
increasing use of smartphones and tablets,” Mr Sayers said.
“Driving can be dangerous even when you’re paying full attention to the road conditions, so to
attempt to text or check emails while you’re in control of a moving vehicle is incredibly risky
behaviour.”
Mr Sayers said the research also showed 1 in 5 drivers between the ages of 18-29 regularly
drove above the speed limit, almost twice the overall rate.
“We need to continue to educate our young drivers that speeding and texting while driving are
not ‘normal’ behaviours,” Mr Sayers said.
“Our research also shows that almost 10 per cent of all drivers are easily distracted by things
in the car such as the radio or CD player, GPS systems or mobile phones.
“I think people take it for granted that they can get away with minor driving indiscretions such
as texting because they have become more socially acceptable.”
Mr Sayers pointed to Tasmania’s horrific Easter road toll as a timely reminder for motorists to
remain vigilant and alert behind the wheel.
“One split second of inattentiveness is all it takes,” he said.
“People have a responsibility to their fellow road users to drive with care and diligence, and
hopefully these new statistics are not the beginning of a trend.
“This year’s road toll over Easter was the worst we’ve seen for a number of years and should
serve as a warning to people not to be complacent on our roads.”
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers
