Red flag on distracted driving this Easter
Distracted driving is a large concern if we look at the number of accidents on South African roads daily and specifically over busy holiday periods.
AHEAD of the 2018 Easter holiday season, Matrix, a brand by MiX Telematics, is raising awareness around distracted and irresponsible driving habits demonstrated by South African motorists through their Distracted Driving Survey.
The survey, launched in February, was completed by over 400 respondents and set out to gather information about the most common driving behaviours among South African motorists.
Distracted driving is a large concern if we look at the number of accidents on South African roads daily and specifically over busy holiday periods.
One of the most prominent insights was that over 82 per cent of respondents indicated that they have received up to two traffic fines in the last six months, with 53 per cent of these issued for speeding, skipping a traffic light or talking on the phone.
However, 47 per cent of motorists indicated that they rarely drive over the speed limit – only doing so in the event of an emergency.
On the other hand, 27 per cent indicated that they drive over the speed limit 80 per cent of the time.
This is indicative that speeding is still a profound concern.
Other distractions that respondents admitted to were changing the radio station or searching for one, eating and drinking, and most importantly texting, calling or checking social media while driving.
These are playing a fundamental role in the safety of all road users – drivers, cyclists and pedestrians – especially where these are undertaken at least once a day by 25 per cent of respondents.
Other prominent distracted driving acts that motorists undertook include applying makeup, doing up hair and checking GPS/navigation devices.
When asking respondents whether they braked harshly, it was identified that 70 per cent of drivers stopped suddenly due to the car in front of them stopping, where 25 per cent was a result of distracted or reckless driving.
However, what is very interesting to note is that driving style is very dependent on the mood and temperament of each driver. When asked what type of driver they consider themselves to be, 44 per cent of motorists indicate that they drive according to their mood.
If they are angry they will be more aggressive and possibly drive over the speed limit – if calm, they will remain within the speed limit and drive more carefully.
A whopping 80 per cent of respondents indicated that they would monitor their driving style with a tracking device if they had one.
The challenge today, however, is encouraging people to take this seriously to understand the impact of both bad and distracted driving.
As we head towards the Easter holidays, Matrix encourages drivers to stay focused on the road, let your passengers play DJ, take regular breaks to fight fatigue, let your partner check your messages or Google the closest B&B and make sure that you are abiding by the rules of the road.
Check your driving statistics via your tracking app to keep your driving in check and contribute to safer roads.
Also Read:
CITY NEWS – EASTER SAFETY CAMPAIGN
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
