The integration of mobile phones, dashboards, voice commands and driver assistance systems, in addition to traditional functions such as car radio, air conditioning and GPS, urgently requires optimization to improve the driving experience and increase safety on the roads.
A recent study conducted by Allianz France and CSA sheds light on an alarming aspect of modern driving behavior: the distractions drivers face, especially through the use of mobile phones and advanced automotive equipment. The findings of this study, conducted among 1.003 drivers over the age of 18 between September 7 and 14, 2023, provide insight into the ways in which technology both helps and hinders traffic.
According to the research, 40% of drivers admit that they do not always concentrate while driving, a worrying percentage largely due to the increasing integration of mobile phones into vehicle dashboards – a trend that now affects 42% of vehicles Re. Despite the presence of authorized methods such as Bluetooth, wired connections and suitable holders, 78% of drivers use their mobile phone while driving. Shockingly, 39% of respondents keep their phone on their lap, on the passenger seat, or in their hand while driving.
These forms of distraction have a significant impact on traffic accidents and fatalities. Using a mobile phone triples the risk of an accident, and this figure rises to 23 when reading a text message, according to government road safety statistics. On average, drivers don't look at the road for about 5 seconds while using their phone. Every year, 23% of physical injuries in traffic are attributed to a lack of attention.
Other top distractions include eating a meal while driving (36%) and turning to talk to backseat passengers (24%). These distractions highlight the need to optimize the dashboard and driver assistance systems (ADAS) to promote distraction-free driving.
Innovative dashboards ask according to it research the attention of 42% of directors. Although 92% of users recognize the user-friendliness, 15% feel that these systems require too much attention. GPS in particular is experienced as complex by 19% of users. Younger drivers under the age of 35 are more critical of their dashboards and driver assistance systems.
Giovanna Santi, responsible for the MA Prévention ecosystem at Allianz France, emphasizes the importance of awareness and education to inform customers and the public about the dangers of distracted driving. Allianz promotes innovative and fun solutions, such as the “Crash Test” video series and the “Allianz Prévention Tour”, a traveling event that offers educational workshops and experiments to increase road user awareness. In 2023, this unique tour visited 53 cities and towns in France and reached almost 30.000 people.
A majority of 65% of drivers prefer stricter controls and fines instead of a total ban on the use of mobile phones behind the wheel. Despite this, only 21% of drivers are aware of the fine amounts (€135) and only 16% know of the number of points that will be deducted for unauthorized use (3 points). Alternatives such as allowing only emergency calls have an acceptance rate of 52%, while a ban on hands-free kits is supported by 50% of drivers.
