Mobile phones, devices and driving 

Using a mobile phone while driving is a major distraction that significantly increases the risk of accidents. It causes physical, visual, and cognitive distractions—physically by taking your hands off the wheel, visually by diverting your eyes from the road, and cognitively by splitting your attention between driving and the conversation. Even a brief glance at your phone while driving at 50 km/h can mean traveling 27 meters blind, increasing the likelihood of missing hazards or making poor decisions. 

Research shows that mobile phone use leads to riskier decision-making on the road. It impairs judgment, especially when turning in traffic, making drivers less aware of environmental conditions like rain or slippery roads. Reaction times are slower, making it harder to respond to traffic signals, and braking becomes more abrupt and less controlled. Mobile phone users are also more likely to drift out of their lane, even in light traffic, and fail to check their surroundings properly, increasing the risk of collisions. 

Talking to a passenger is less risky than using a mobile phone because passengers can recognize dangerous situations and stop talking when needed. In contrast, someone on the other end of a phone call is unaware of road conditions and may continue talking, distracting the driver. Younger drivers, particularly those under 30, are at an even higher risk of crashing due to both mobile phone use and engaging with passengers. It is always safest to concentrate fully on driving, particularly in difficult conditions such as heavy traffic, night driving, or bad weather. 

Text messaging while driving is especially dangerous, combining physical, visual, and cognitive distractions. Research shows that drivers who text spend significantly more time with their eyes off the road, leading to incorrect lane changes, missing important signs, and failing to notice hazards like pedestrians and cyclists. The more a driver engages with their phone, the less they are able to process their surroundings, making accidents more likely. 

To stay safe, drivers should take proactive steps to eliminate distractions. This includes silencing or turning off their phone, diverting calls to voicemail, and pulling over safely if they need to make or receive a call. Navigation and music should be set up before driving, and calls should be avoided in heavy traffic or poor conditions. Texting, reading messages, or using smartwatches while driving should always be avoided. Ultimately, even a brief moment of inattention can lead to serious consequences, making it essential to focus entirely on the road.