Reducing distractions behind the driver’s wheel is the focus of this year’s National Road Safety Week, starting this Saturday (May 17).
But the intention was seemingly have been undermined by the announcement of a new NSW campaign to send SMS alerts to drivers about expiring registrations.
The founder of NRSW, Peter Frazer, says this year’s campaign is all about reducing distractions as highlighted by a new survey they have just released.
“For National Road Safety Week 2026, we are focusing on distraction,” he says.
“We are asking all drivers to choose to put down their phones, clear their minds and give the road the full attention it demands.
“Distractions cost lives, and our only job at the wheel is to actively protect everyone on the road ahead,” Frazer says.
“That is a choice we can all make because everyone has a right to get home safe, every day, with no exceptions,” he adds.
DISTRACTIONS REPORT
The new distractions survey shows that almost all drivers believe using a phone as they drive is dangerous but that almost a third of younger drivers admit to quick checks of their mobiles after getting a notification.
“This research shows that awareness campaigns alone aren’t working for younger drivers,” says Frazer.
“They believe phone use is dangerous but they continue to do it. Self-regulation is clearly not enough and people agree.”
The new report says 92% of drivers agree that using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous yet 63% of Gen Z, and 52% of Gen Millennial, drivers say they read texts at red lights; 50% of Gen Z and 40% of Gen Millennial respondents also admitted to taking a photo or video behind the wheel.
Victorian drivers are most likely to check their phones for notifications (25%), followed by drivers in New South Wales (23%), West Australia (16%), Queensland (15%) and South Australia (8%).
More than a third of all respondents (39%) support banning phones from cars while driving, a ratio that is higher for Gen Z (45%) as well as Millennial and Gen X (both 43%) respondents.
BREAKING DOWN BY STATES
Nationally, eating a meal was identified as the top distraction by 35% by respondents compared to 14% for mobile phone use and 13% for arguing with a passenger.
South Australia leads the way for phone use as distractions (19%) while Victorians lead with heated arguments (15%); in NSW, it is singing or dancing to music (10%) while in Queensland it is watching a screen (10%).
NSW drivers are rated the most overconfident with 62% of state respondents rating themselves better than average compared to 51% in South Australia, 61% for Victorians, 59% for West Australians and 57% for Queenslanders.
Victorians were the angriest drivers as 29% of state respondents admitted to driving angry followed by 27% for NSW and Western Australia, 26% for South Australia and 23% for Queensland.
For more, visit www.roadsafetyweek.com.au.
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