IF THE ding of a text message or incoming call is irresistible while behind the wheel, you are not alone.
More than 1.9 million Queensland drivers have admitted to using their mobile devices while driving.
But the multi-tasking is nothing to be proud of.
Not only is use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving illegal, about 115,000 Queensland road accidents in the past year were caused by distracted drivers.
About 57 per cent of those accidents were caused by drivers between 18 and 34 years.
The statistics was released by insurance company AMMI in time for Fatality Free Friday, May 26.
Suncorp chief customer experience officer Mark Reinke said the study painted an alarming trend.
“The research findings are troubling and we know driver distractedness and road preparedness, particularly among young people, are still huge issues,” he said.
Other findings from the survey were:
- 61 per cent of Australians said they had used their mobile phone while in the driver’s seat on at least on one occasion.
- 91 per cent said they became angry when they saw other drivers use their mobile phones, but the rage was unable to stop about 60 per cent of respondents from doing the same.
- Generation Y drivers were the least likely to think texting while stopped at traffic lights was illegal and were least likely to support laws which prevented mobile phone use while driving.
The insurance company used the data release to launch a call and message blocking app for young drivers, called AAMI SmartPlates.
The free app also tracks the routes, weather conditions and hours logged by learner drivers.
