Social media perceived as a bigger threat than drink-driving

Technology and social media pose a huge road safety risk, IAM finds

Social media perceived as a bigger threat than drink-driving
Motorists are now more worried about the dangers of distraction posed by technology and social media than drink-driving.

An IAM report has found that 77 per cent of motorists believe technology distractions are a bigger problem now than they were three years ago when just 23 per cent of people reported it to be a problem.

The Safety Culture Index report, launched last week by the IAM, studied more than 2,000 UK motorists’ attitudes to driving safety.

Those surveyed said text messaging and social media are the two biggest factors threatening their personal safety, with 93 per cent and 92 per cent respectively claiming these to be a ‘very or somewhat serious’ threat.

This is followed by drink and drug driving threats, at 90 per cent and 89 per cent respectively.

And while most people feel talking on a hand-held mobile phone is unacceptable in their own locality, some 64 per cent say talking on a hands-free mobile phone is acceptable.

Motorists are also much more worried about speeding in residential streets than they are about speeding on motorways – 86 per cent believing this to be a very or somewhat serious threat; 24 per cent higher than motorways.

This is borne out by the fact 61 per cent feel it’s acceptable to drive 10mph over the speed limit on the motorway, just 27 per cent feel it’s acceptable to drive 5mph over the limit on a residential street.

Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer, said: “This report is a crucial barometer of what drivers are really thinking.

“It is all about seeing what issues and factors the public see as important in their lives, and using that information to influence their behaviour.”

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