Texting tops driver distraction list in AA Insurance survey

One in five Kiwis still send text messages while driving. Photo / Thinkstock

Texting, reading and ogling at good-looking pedestrians are among the biggest driver distractions, an AA Insurance survey shows.

The Drivers Index survey asked 1000 regular Kiwi drivers aged 18 and older to rate 12 distractions and found that while 84 per cent of respondents regarded texting and reading distracting, one in five Kiwis still send text messages while driving - with almost 50 per cent of younger drivers (18-24 years) flouting the law.

"Despite being illegal, texting remains the top driver distraction for the fourth consecutive year, while reading has risen from second position since last year," said Amelia Macandrew of AA Insurance.

"Distractions are a major cause of accidents, with 10 per cent of drivers surveyed admitting they'd crashed because they were distracted."

National Manager Road Policing, Superintendent Carey Griffiths said that between 2010-2012, driver distraction or "diverted attention" was a factor in around 11 per cent of fatal crashes, and 10 per cent of serious crashes.

"That represents 99 people killed and almost 5000 people injured over the three-year period."

Mr Griffiths said it was disappointing that despite legislation banning drivers from using cellphones being in place since 2009, too many people are still choosing to put themselves and other innocent road users at risk.

"Given that we are now several years down the track, we don't see any excuses for people still failing to comply with this legislation, and police will continue to target driver distraction and other forms of risky behaviour as appropriate."

The survey showed that people outside the car were also a source of distraction for over 20 per cent of respondents with 25 per cent of men admitting they're more likely to find attractive pedestrians a distraction than women (11 per cent) do.

One man became distracted by a young woman on the footpath and hit the car that had stopped in front of him resulting in a $2300 claim for his car, plus damages to the other vehicle.

"It pays to constantly monitor your driving, keep distractions within the car to a minimum, and your mind on driving safely," said Ms Macandrew.

The survey found that even talking on a hands-free kit for mobile phones was considered a distraction.

Top 10 major distractions

1st = Texting on a mobile phone and reading a newspaper or magazine.
2. Applying makeup, shaving or other personal grooming.
3. Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free kit.
4. Changing the radio/iPod/MP3 player.
5. Eating while driving.
6. Children in the car.
7th= Talking on a mobile phone with a hands-free kit and using GPS or other navigation systems.
8. Billboards/outdoor advertising.
9. People outside the car.
10. Passenger in the car.
Source: AA Insurance Driver Index survey 2014.