Mobile distractions top list of driving hazards- Report

Discovery Insure's latest study unveiled a concerning trend: distractions caused by cellphones now rank as the primary cause of road accidents in South Africa. Presented during the launch of the UN-JCDecaux campaign for road safety at Discovery's Sandton office, the findings shed light on the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures.

The local introduction of the UN Global Campaign for Road Safety, in collaboration with JCDecaux, aims to spotlight initiatives crucial for saving lives on the road. While environmental factors and road conditions contribute to fatalities, human behaviors, notably cellphone usage while driving, emerged as the leading risk factor.

Telematics-based research, drawing insights from over 19 billion kilometers of driving data and 500,000 daily trips by clients, revealed alarming statistics. Discovery Insure CEO Robert Attwell emphasized the importance of telematics in understanding accident risks and fostering safe driving practices.

Despite positive trends in reduced night-time accidents attributed to increased Uber usage, the surge in accidents due to distracted driving now overshadows these gains. Shockingly, cellphone usage surpassed speeding as the primary contributor to accident risk, with just 20 seconds of phone usage per trip increasing the risk by over 60%.

ER24, a private emergency medical service, corroborated these findings, citing distracted driving as the leading cause of car crashes in South Africa. Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, and other distractions significantly increase accident risks.

Furthermore, research by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlighted the dangers of texting while driving, emphasizing a 23% increased risk of crashing. Discovery Insure's Vitality Drive Programme leverages behavior-centered technology to promote safer driving habits, resulting in a significant reduction in accident frequency and severity among participants.

Addressing broader concerns, Discovery Insure emphasized the role of deteriorating road infrastructure in contributing to fatalities and economic losses. By leveraging innovative solutions and promoting responsible driving through programs like Vitality Drive, the aim is to create a safer road environment for all.