Staying Focused: Avoiding Distractions While Driving in Ireland

Distracted driving is a significant issue affecting road safety in Ireland. With the RSA’s annual conference on October 9th, 2024 focusing on this theme, it’s crucial to understand how distractions impact driving and what steps you can take to stay focused behind the wheel.

This guide provides essential tips and insights to help you drive safely and responsibly.

Importance of Staying Focused While Driving

It should go without saying that staying focused while driving is vital for your safety and that of others on the road. Distractions can lead to accidents, injuries and, in extreme cases, even fatalities. All it takes is a split second for disaster to strike.

Data from the RSA suggests that distracted driving is a contributing factor in 20-30% of all road collisions in Ireland, making distracted driving an influence in over 1,400 fatal or injury-causing collisions annually.

This is a stark reminder of why it’s important to keep your attention on the road. Distractions significantly impact road safety by increasing the chances of accidents causing injuries or fatalities.

Key Reasons to Stay Focused:

Reacting to Hazards: Being alert allows you to react swiftly to sudden changes or hazards.
Improved Decision Making: Focused driving ensures better judgement and safer manoeuvres.
Accident Prevention: Eliminating distractions reduces the likelihood of collisions and accidents.

Common Distractions While Driving

Distracted driving is when a person is driving while engaging in other activities which distract the driver’s attention away from the road.

Distractions can come in many forms, both inside and outside the vehicle. Recognising these distractions is the first step towards eliminating them. There are four main types of distraction that can draw a driver’s attention away from the road:

Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at a phone or changing the radio station.
Manual Distractions: Removing your hands from the wheel, like eating or adjusting controls.
Cognitive Distractions: Letting your mind wander, such as daydreaming or being preoccupied with personal issues.
External Distractions: Environmental factors like billboards, other vehicles, or pedestrians.

Mobile Phone Use in Cars

However, In Ireland, the number one distraction for motorists is mobile phone use. And despite the obvious dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, motorists still continue to use their phones to send messages, check social media or take photos.

The driver attitude and behaviour survey highlighted by the RSA found that:

19% use their mobile phone at least sometimes while driving to read messages/emails
13% use their mobile phone at least sometimes while driving to write messages/emails
23% use their mobile phone at least sometimes while driving to check phone notifications
12% use their mobile phone at least sometimes while driving to check social media
7% use their mobile phone at least sometimes while driving to take photos/videos to share on social media

It’s a dangerous behaviour and hardly worth the risk as reports also show that making a call makes a driver four times more likely to be involved in a collision; while texting makes a driver 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

Child Driving Distractions

Another big distraction for Irish drivers is children.

Children can distract drivers by causing the driver to turn around to look at them, watching them using the rear view mirror, engaging in conversation, or by leaning into the back to attend to them.

Taking your eyes off the road to attend to a child not only puts the child and everyone in the vehicle at risk, it also puts other road users and pedestrians at risk.

To help minimise distractions by children, parents should consider their child’s needs before setting off and make sure that are securely strapped into a car seat before setting off. And if you do need to help your child while in the car, you should find a safe place to stop and pullover before doing anything.

Penalties for Distracted Driving Offences in Ireland

Ireland has strict laws aimed at reducing or eliminating distracted driving and keeping our roads safe. Being aware of these regulations can help you stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Mobile Phone Usage:
It is illegal to hold a mobile phone while driving. This includes texting, calling, or any form of manual handling.

Motorists caught using their phone can expect a fixed charge of €120 and 3 penalty points on your licence. However, this can be increased to 5 penalty points and a €2,000 fine if you are convicted in court due to non-payment.

Careless Driving:
Driving without due care and attention is an offence in Ireland. If you have driven carelessly without causing an accident, you may receive 2 penalty points and an €80 fixed charge for “driving without reasonable consideration”.

However, similar to other notices, If the fine isn’t paid within 28 days, it can increase and eventually lead to a court summons. A court conviction can then lead to higher fines and 4 penalty points.

Dangerous Driving:
Driving dangerously in a public place is a serious offence in Ireland. If convicted, you could face a fine of up to €5,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.

In the most severe cases, such as dangerous driving that results in death or serious bodily harm, there are harsher penalties. Convictions in these cases can lead to fines of up to €20,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.

Strategies to Stay Focused While Driving

Implementing simple but effective strategies can help you maintain your focus and reduce the risk of distractions while driving. Here are some practical tips to keep your attention on the road.

Plan Ahead: Set your GPS, music or playlists, and phone settings before you start driving to avoid making adjustments on the go.

Limit Passengers: Too many passengers, especially children, can be distracting. Ensure everyone understands the importance of minimal distractions.

Take Breaks: On long journeys, take regular breaks to rest and refocus. And avoid driving if you are feeling stressed or anxious as they can take your mind off of the road.

Stay Sober and Rested: Avoid driving when tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as these impair your ability to concentrate.

Use Airplane Mode: Activate your phone’s airplane mode to prevent incoming notifications from diverting your attention while driving. If you do need to make or take a call, do so using your car’s bluetooth speaker using voice commands or the steering wheel controls (again, make sure these are set up before setting off).

Using Technology to Prevent Distractions

Modern technology offers tools that can help minimise distractions and promote safer driving habits. Implementing these technologies can potentially have a positive effect on your driving habits and may reduce the temptation to pick up your phone.

Hands-Free Devices: Allow you to make calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
Voice Commands: Enable you to control your phone, navigation, and other functions verbally.
Driver Assistance Systems: Features like lane departure warnings and automatic braking can alert you to potential hazards.
Do Not Disturb Modes: Many smartphones have settings that limit notifications while driving.

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