Two thirds (68%) of motorists say they have seen an increase in other drivers being distracted by infotainment systems, sat navs and mobile phones, research from Venson Automotive Solutions suggests.

However, only 13% of the survey respondents admitted to being side-tracked themselves by in-car technology when driving.

The results come in the wake of a Department for Transport (DfT) review of roads policing, which is asking for evidence on how in-car technology could be increasing accidents as well as reducing them. 

Simon Staton, client management director at Venson, said: “We may have some of the safest roads in the world, but anything that can be done to reduce the number of casualties on our roads is to be welcomed.

“The advances made in in-car technology have moved on very quickly, and as they become standard in new vehicles, the scope for driver distraction also grows.

“We look forward to the results and recommendations from the DfT review and would encourage businesses and fleet managers to get involved in the consultation process.”

More than a third (38%) of drivers surveyed said that they used hands-free/Bluetooth in-car technology for making phone calls while driving, however when it comes to using their phone as a satnav, nearly a fifth admitted to balancing the phone somewhere to keep an eye on it, such as a cup holder.

Businesses and fleet managers are recommended to impress on drivers the dangers of being distracted by their in-car tech and ensure robust processes are in place to meet their duty of care obligations. 

Drivers currently risk six penalty points on their licence and a £200 fine if they use a hand-held phone or satnav when driving.

For motorists who passed their driving test within 2 years of being caught, the consequences are even more severe – they will automatically lose their licence and have to reapply and pay for a new provisional licence – passing both theory and practical parts of the driving test again to get a full licence.

However, the Venson survey shows that people’s appetite for more advanced in-car tech is growing - even if it isn’t in their current vehicle;  67% saying they would use a dashboard satnav if it were available in their car and nearly 50% of people surveyed said that they would like to have an emergency call button in their car in case of being involved in a road accident.

An app which informs the driver about the health of their vehicle’s tyres would also be welcomed by 48% of people and 43% would make use of driver assistance technology such as cruise control, lane departure detection and speed limit exceeded notifications. 

In contrast only one in four (26%) people surveyed said they would like to see entertainment or lifestyle dashboard technology such as apps that play music or offer concierge services.

Fleets can find out more about the roads policing review by clicking here.

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