Drivers 'need to put distractions to one side'

Date: 11/6/2010

The driver is still in charge of their vehicle, rather than technology, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Spokeswoman for the organisation Jo Stagg said gadgets should be used to enhance the driving experience rather than cause distractions.

Ms Stagg stated there are lots of new forms of technology, which include ABS brakes, electronic stability control and satellite navigation systems.

"We ask people to adopt a sensible approach [while driving]," she remarked. "Being a driver is all about dealing with distraction."

Ms Stagg added motorists need to minimise disruption and suggested drivers should switch their mobile phones off before they get behind the wheel.

The expert's comments follow the results of a survey by Autoglass, which revealed 51 per cent of those quizzed cited texting at the wheel as the number one distraction, while talking on a mobile phone was a close second - as 41 per cent admitted they do so on a regular basis.

Posted by Sarah Bailey