Drivers have been warned to keep their eyes on the road as a recent study has revealed that over two thirds of motorists admit to engaging in potentially dangerous activities while driving.
According to comparison site finder.com.au’s Safe Driving report, which polled 1,800 Australian drivers about their riskiest habits, 70% were found to be regularly driving themselves to distraction.
The riskiest habit was eating takeaway behind the wheel at 47%; followed by texting while driving, despite it being outlawed, at 28%; and answering a phone call at 27%, news.com.au reported.
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Another worrying finding is that parents of young children were found to be four times more likely to text and drive than those with grown up children.
Almost one in seven said they had driven with their knees, while almost one in 10 had dozed off while driving.
Meanwhile, 14% of women admitted to applying make-up while driving, and men have the habit of shaving behind the wheel, the report said.
Bessie Hassan, an insurance expert at finder.com.au, said that doing mundane activities when motorists should be focused on their driving was a leading cause of accidents.
“It’s very concerning that some drivers are prioritising risky and distracting activities such as mobile phone usage or fixing their appearance over their safety behind the wheel,” she said.
“It’s important for drivers to be aware that their comprehensive car insurance policy may not provide cover for an accident caused by illegal activities like texting behind the wheel.”
Study findings showed that Western Australians were the riskiest drivers - three quarters admitted to indulging in a risky activity while on the road.
By contrast, South Australian drivers were found to be the safest drivers in the country, with one in three claiming they have never done anything risky while driving, the report said.
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