Distracted drivers contributed towards 3070 accidents last year

insurethebox urges young motorists to avoid distractions and concentrate on the road

insurethebox, the UK pioneer of telematics insurance is urging young drivers to cut out the distractions and stay focused on the road, as the latest figures from the Department for Transport reveal distracted drivers contributed to nearly 100 deaths and over 3,000 of Britain’s road traffic accidents in 2018.[i]

According to the data 92 serious accidents were caused where mobile phone use was a contributing factor with 25 fatal accidents involving phone use. But mobile phones aren’t the only distraction. Drivers need to be aware of other in-vehicle systems[ii] such as satellite navigation and congestion warning systems too. Passengers and pets also take a driver’s focus away from the road.

Gary Stewart, Service Manager at insurethebox, commented: “These figures show 93 deaths and well over 600 serious accidents could have been prevented had the driver not been distracted. Young and newly qualified drivers who have the least experience on the roads are likely to be more vulnerable to dealing with in-car distractions. Plus, today’s constant pressures to be constantly connected mean young drivers may well be tempted to pick up the phone to take a call, answer a text or respond to a social media notification”.

Next year will see a revision to the current legislation[iii], meaning any driver caught texting, taking photos, browsing social media platforms, the internet or scrolling through a playlist while behind the wheel will be prosecuted for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving – leaving them with a motoring conviction. Currently motorists caught using a hand-held phone when driving, are given 6 points and a £200 fine[iv]. For young newly qualified drivers, (those caught within the first two years of passing their test), this would mean they lose their licence.

“There are so many potential demands on our attention when we are behind the wheel, but by employing strategies to reduce these distractions is fundamental to staying focused, and keeping drivers and other road users safe on the roads”, concludes Gary Stewart.

insurethebox tips to reduce distraction Make the glove box your phone box. Keep your phone out of reach when driving, even taking a call using hands-free will be a distraction. Ask your passenger to take the call, if it’s really needed. Ask passengers to talk quietly. Avoid playing music too loud. Don’t multi-task in the vehicle – set the satnav and playlist before you set off. Try to avoid eating and drinking, particularly hot liquids, when behind the wheel. On long journeys, take regular breaks. We recommend 20 minutes every 2,5 hours, or sooner if you’re tired. Put animals in the back seat or ensure they are properly secured with a pet harness or in a cage. Secure loose items which could potentially roll around the vehicle. Make adjustments to mirrors and seating before setting off. If your attention is required by anything other than what is on the road, pull over and park in a safe area to address the issue.

 

insurethebox improves driving safety among young motorists by proactively communicating with its customers, using telematics to empower young drivers to better manage their driving habits in order to reduce their insurance risk profile – and potentially their premiums. In this way, insurethebox helps young motorists make positive changes to their driving behaviour, such as reducing their speed and taking regular breaks on long journeys.

 

Media enquiries to:
Parm Heer//Wendy Harrison
Tel: 0208 977 9132
Email: itb@harrisonsadler.com

 

Notes to Editors

insurethebox

Insure The Box Limited launched in June 2010 with its first product, insurethebox, and now holds over 5 billion miles of driving data and associated claims. As well as insurethebox and drive like a girl (another Insure The Box brand) it also administers other telematics offerings. Insurethebox is owned by Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited, part of the major Japanese insurance group MS&AD Holdings, Inc. The group is taking a leading role in the development of technologies that will change the face of motor insurance and the way we view the car.

 

 

 

[i] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ras50-contributory-factors

[iii] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-acts-to-improve-road-safety-by-closing-mobile-phone-loophole

[iv] https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law