Driver distractions

There are a lot of factors that can cause crashes — speeding, drink driving and fatigue to name a few. What many people don’t realise is that distracted drivers can be just as dangerous. You need to focus at all times when you’re behind the wheel.

Distracted drivers are a danger not only to themselves and their passengers but to other road users as well. It only takes a split second to lose your concentration. Some common distractions when driving are:

• talking on your mobile phone
• reading or sending a text on your mobile phone
• changing your radio station or scrolling to a song in your playlist
• attending to children in the backseat.

Having a mobile phone in your hand or resting it on any part of your body while driving is illegal. This applies to all drivers at all times regardless if the phone is on or in use. If you’re caught you may get a fine and demerit points. Learner and P1 drivers under 25 years of age have additional restrictions. They can't use a mobile phone in any way while driving, including hands-free, headsets or loudspeaker – learn more about mobile phone rules.