Young drivers not getting the message
Sophisticated mobile phones, MP3 players and other handheld gadgets are driving techno-savvy young drivers to distraction, according to new research from leading insurer AAMI.
The 2007 AAMI Young Drivers Index revealed more than three-quarters of drivers aged 18 - 24 admitted to reading or sending a text message while driving – double that of drivers aged over 25 (75% compared to 36%).
AAMI Public Affairs Manager Geoff Hughes said:
“Young Australians have embraced mobile phones as a means of immediate, convenient communication, however, this has unfortunately resulted in an increase in the number of people using mobile phones while driving to talk, and increasingly text.”
“This dangerous practice has the potential to reduce driver reaction times and increase the risk of an accident. But despite severe infringement penalties and widespread publicity of the dangers of using mobile phones while driving, it is still an all-too-common practice among young people.”
Mr Hughes said that as mobile phones have become increasingly compatible with popular interactive web-based applications, the potential for additional, unwanted driver distractions has increased.
“Many handsets now allow users to use interactive, web-based applications like MySpace and Facebook, which are extremely popular among young people,” he said. “For the safety of all road users, young drivers should refrain from using their phone while driving to talk, text or surf the internet.”
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