How social media and mobile phonesare making us more dangerous on the road

Believe it or not, you’re twice as likely to die in a crash while typing as you drive as you are via drink driving

 

As social media becomes more and more ingrained in our daily lives, a whole host of new figures suggest that it actually be harming our ability to drive safely. It’s not entirely surprising when you consider that a third of us drive with our phones in our pockets, meaning we’re constantly aware of any updates or notifications coming through.

The temptation that social media thrives on is having a negative impact on our driving, and the team at www.bullbarrier.comare here to explain the findings more thoroughly, including letting you know what you can do to boost your safety behind the wheel.

What do the figures say?

FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, might sound like a bit of harmless fun, but recent studies from Aviva and the RAC have shown that this fear of missing out combined with the effects of social media is actually encroaching on our ability to stay safe and sensible when behind the wheel.

In fact, the study found that one in five people think that it’s safe to check social media or text when sitting in traffic, even though it’s illegal. What’s more worrying is that 20 per cent of people also still admit to answering calls on a handheld phone whilst driving.

The risks of this kind of behaviour are made clear year after year when road incident figures are released. Back in 2015, the UK Department for Transport revealed that there were 500 incidents involving drivers using a mobile phone behind the wheel, and these figures continue to grow.

Sergeant Neil Dewson-Smyth of the Cheshire Police is currently heading a campaign to raise awareness for the dangers of social media and mobile phones whilst driving, said: “Holding the phone, reading comments and performing [for the camera] all mean the driver is focused far too much on what they are doing and who they can entertain or impress and not on their driving. That puts them, passengers, other drivers and pedestrians at a hugely increased risk.”

Social media is affecting our reaction times

Other studies have shown just how much social media and mobile phones can impact our reaction times behind the wheel. One study found that you are 23 times more likely to crash if you’re texting or using your phone at all whilst driving.

Looking away from the road can decrease your reaction time by up to 50 per cent, meaning you’re only half as safe as you should be. To look away from the road, read a comment, look back again and regain awareness takes around five seconds. This might not sound like much, but at 40mph this results in a distance equal to a football pitch – the kind of distance that can quickly result in a collision with a road traffic barrier.

What can we do to reduce distractions?

These results hit home just how important it is to remain focused behind the wheel at all times. It might be tempting to check social media, but the consequences could potentially be fatal.

Simple precautions such as putting your mobile phone on silent, switching off notifications, planning your journey in advance and keeping your mobile phone out of sight can all greatly increase your safety and efficiency on the road. Any notifications you have received will still be there once you reach your destination.

For more information on all things road safety, including the benefit of road safety barriers, visit Bull Barrier today.

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Created on Feb 8th 2018 02:48. Viewed 332 times.

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