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22nd May, 2015
- 7 out of 10 drivers support tougher penalties for illegal mobile phone use
- 87% say using mobiles similar to drink-driving
- 42% support outright ban on mobiles being used in cars
Seven out of 10 drivers in Australia support big increases in fines and penalties for drivers caught illegally texting
or talking on mobile phones in vehicles, according to the 2015 Volvo Car Australia Safety Index released earlier this
month.
And more than 42% support an outright ban on drivers using mobiles phones in cars to improve safety on our roads.
Volvo’s national study of drivers’ attitudes to safety found 87% of drivers agree that texting or making calls reduces
reaction times and is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Each year more than 120,000 drivers around Australia are fined for illegally texting or talking on the phone while
driving. All Australian states and territories have laws which require mobile phones to be operated hands-free or placed
in a commercial cradle.
Volvo’s national study found illegal use of mobiles is most prevalent in drivers less than 35 years of age, with
around one in two admitting to regularly texting, making calls or web surfing without hands free.
When asked why they did this even though it is illegal:
- 32% said they did it out of habit
- 26% said they can “multi-task” whilst driving
- 22% want to remain connected to family, friends or work
- 7% say they are addicted to texting
Volvo Car Australia Managing Director, Kevin McCann, said the strong public support among drivers nationally for
heavier fines and an outright ban on mobile phones highlighted growing concerns about safety on our roads.
“With 1 in 3 drivers admitting to making a call or texting while behind the wheel there is still much work to be
done to reduce distractions for road users. Volvo is at the forefront of the next generation of voice recognition and
hands free technologies to address these issues.”
“The results from Volvo’s Driver Safety Index shows many drivers believe that “driving is for driving” – not for
chatting, organising social events, texting, reading, or any of the diverse in-vehicle activities that can divert
attention and affect safe driving.”
The National on-line survey of licenced drivers in all states & territories was conducted between 13-27 April,
2015.
E&OE.
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