Using a mobile phone is the top distraction for New Zealand drivers, AA Insurance says, with kids in the car next on the list.
After completing a survey of 3,550 Kiwi drivers aged between 18 and 65, AA Insurance released a comprehensive list of the biggest driver distractions in New Zealand.
Illegally texting on a mobile phone was the biggest cause of driver distraction, followed by talking on the phone without a hands-free kit, and having children in the car.
Before the ban on texting and using a mobile phone came into effect in 2009, 22 percent of respondents admitted texting while driving. After the ban that number fell to 8 percent, but has crept back up to 16.2.
AA Insurance Head of Operations Martin Fox says drivers are risking their safety by using a mobile phone on the road, with users ignoring the serious risks.
“Checking or using your mobile phone while driving… was banned in 2009 for a reason and that reason hasn’t changed in 2012,” he says.
He cites a recent insurance claim where a driver looked down to check his phone and rear-ended the car in front of him, which went into another car. The total cost of the claim was $10,445.
Other recent claims include hitting a parked car while using a GPS system ($41,539); looking down to change the radio station and hitting the car in front ($20,257); and hitting a parked car after bending down to pick up food ($10,310).
Mr Fox recommends drivers keep their phone on silent and preset radio and GPS devices before getting on the road.
Top 10 Driver Distractions 2011
Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free kit
Children in the car
Using the GPS or navigation system
Changing the radio/iPod/MP3 player
Talking on a mobile phone with a hands-free kit
Passengers
Eating while driving
People outside the vehicle
Billboards/outdoor advertising
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