Gen X drivers biggest mobile phone culprits
25/02/2009
New research from SGIO has revealed Generation X drivers are the biggest culprits when it comes to talking behind the wheel.
More than half (52 per cent) of Gen Xers (30 to 39 year olds) surveyed admitted to using their mobiles while driving.
The revelation dispels the myth that Generation Y (16 to 29 year olds) are bigger mobile users while driving, with only one in three (37 per cent) admitting to talking while behind the wheel. For those over 40, the figure drops to one in four (24 per cent).
Males (36 per cent) were also found to be more likely on average to chat while behind the wheel, compared with females (29 per cent).
SGIO spokesperson Rob Cory said WA drivers put themselves at increased risk of a crash when they attempted to combine driving with another task.
“While we were surprised that Generation X scored so highly, the figures are a concern for all age brackets” said Mr Cory.
“And although many mobile phone users do tend to use hands-free technology while driving, the conversation always has the potential to distract the driver from what is happening on the road.”
Mr Cory said the research results may be due to Western Australians being increasingly time poor, forcing many drivers to use the car for numerous tasks other than driving.
“In the ideal world, a busy lifestyle would not compromise safe driving habits. If we lose focus while behind the wheel, even if it is only for a split second, the consequences could be serious.”
“We encourage all drivers to stop in a safe place to make a call or send a text and then continue their drive with the mind focused on negotiating the traffic safely” he said.
* Based on Woolcott Research commissioned by SGIO Insurance February 2009.