Around 49% of collisions where someone was killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Essex roads, were due to distractions or errors in observation.

What causes driver distraction?

Distraction can include a range of activities whilst driving, including:

• Smoking and vaping.
• Reaching in a bag.
• Programming Sat-Nav.
• Eating and drinking.
• Speaking on a phone, including hands free.
• Unsecured pets- an unsecured pet moving around the vehicle is not only a hazard, but a major distraction.

It is illegal to hold or use a phone while driving. If caught you could receive a £200 penalty notice and six points. Research from the charity Brake found that even using a hands-free mobile makes drivers up to four times more likely to be involved in a collision than an undistracted driver.

Peer distraction- a risk for young drivers.

Young and newly qualified drivers are especially vulnerable to distraction, particularly from passengers.

• Young drivers are more likely to crash when carrying friends, compared to driving alone.
• Peer pressure can lead to risk taking behaviour, such as speeding.
• Loud conversations and music, paired with passengers, can cause lapses in concentration.

Advice for young drivers around distraction.

• Ask passengers to keep noise and distraction to a minimum.
• Limit passengers- lower journey risks by reducing passenger numbers.
• Put your phone on do not disturb or airplane mode- this avoids any temptation to glance at messages or notifications.

Whether you are an experienced driver, or newly qualified, driving requires your full attention so it is important to have your focus on the road for the safety of all vehicle occupants.

Stay in control. As the driver, you have a duty of care to your passengers, but also have the right to set boundaries and have the final say on safe behaviour in your car.