Millions of Australian motorists are putting their lives at risk due to distracted driving, new research has revealed.
More than half of 1,000 drivers surveyed by Finder last September admitted to being distracted while driving.
Around 13 per cent of Australians are texting while driving, which equates to 2.75 million drivers, while another 1 in 10 use social media, it found.
Using mobile phones while driving is illegal and carries a fine of $1161 in Queensland and 5 demerit points in New South Wales.
It has been admitted in the survey that some drivers drive the vehicle and engage in activities such as watching a TV show or movie, changing clothes, shaving and applying make-up.
Dangerous driving is common among young Australians, with 67 per cent admitting to engaging in other activities while driving.
The Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) reports that 1,322 Australians died in road accidents in the 12 months to August this year, a 9.2 per cent increase on the previous year.
Finder’s car insurance expert Tim Bennett said distracted driving was a serious problem.
He emphasized that doing everyday tasks like answering emails and driving while driving can be deadly, and taking your attention off the road for a few seconds can have disastrous results.
