On the UK’s roads, the Department of Transport figures show the impact of distractions with 3,174 casualties in 2020 attributed to distractions in the vehicle and 516 attributed to distractions using a mobile phone.

Many things inside and outside the vehicle that can cause a driver’s attention to be diverted such as mobile phones, infotainment systems, passengers, eating, everyday life, work pressures, other road users and in vehicle technology.

When a driver’s attention is diverted from activities critical for safe driving towards another activity, they become distracted, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle leading to a collision.

Steps you can take to stay focused while driving:

• Recognise what makes you distracted – for example, eating or changing music.
• Concentrate on driving – distractions are inevitable. The trick is to refocus quickly.
• Use technology sensibly – take steps to change the settings on communications, infotainment and navigation systems to reduce the level of distraction they cause. Set the navigation system before you start your journey.
• Plan your route – advance planning will give you a better chance of staying focused on the road rather than your navigational device. Don’t multitask; concentrate on driving.

As employers, provide your employees with information on the cause and effects of distraction while driving, how to recognise when they are distracted, have a greater awareness of driving in a shared space and the impact on other road users (in particular, vulnerable road users)

Click here to view an infographic from Aviva which helps explain when you can and can’t use your phone – and outlines some of the penalties which drivers could now face if found guilty.

Source: Aviva