Roads Policing Message – Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major contributor to road traffic collisions in Ireland and globally. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including the use of mobile phones, interacting with in-vehicle technologies, or other manual and cognitive distractions. What we are going to do in this program is try to highlight the dangers and differences between distracted and non-distracted driving.

Irish Context: Data from RSA and An Garda Síochána

Recent studies and enforcement efforts in Ireland show an alarming prevalence of distracted driving behaviours:

• RSA Driver Attitudes Survey 2021 found:
  • 19% of drivers sometimes read messages or emails while driving.
  • 13% write messages or emails while driving.
  • 23% check notifications; 12% access social media; 7% take photos/videos.

• An Garda Síochána enforcement data (2024):
  • Over 25,000 drivers were caught using mobile phones while driving as part of Operation IOMPAR – a 15% increase from 2023.
  • Our unmarked HGV unit is used to detect infractions from elevated positions.
  • Our Unmarked vehicles are used to detect infractions as well.
• The RSA estimates that 20–30% of fatal and injury collisions in Ireland involve some form of driver distraction.

Other research has shown that mobile phone use while driving makes a collision 4 times more likely, even with hands-free devices (W.H.O.) These figures indicate not only persistent risky behaviour but also increasing reliance on digital devices while driving.

Distracted vs Non-Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers are less able to maintain control, judge distance, or respond quickly to sudden events – a combination that significantly increases crash risk.

Habit and Automatic Behaviour

One of the most powerful psychological drivers of distracted driving is habit. In today’s hyper-connected world, people have developed a near-automatic response to checking their phones. For many, picking up a phone when it buzzes or chimes is no longer a conscious decision—it’s a reflex. When a behaviour becomes habitual, it bypasses deliberate thinking and is triggered by environmental cues. The problem arises when this habit continues behind the wheel. Drivers may reach for their phone without fully considering the risk, simply because it has become second nature. This automaticity is difficult to break, especially when it is reinforced dozens of times per day. Through enforcement campaigns by An Garda Siochana and advertising campaigns by the RSA we are trying to change this habitual behaviour and make our roads safer.

Overconfidence and the Illusion of Control

Another significant psychological factor is the illusion of control. Many drivers genuinely believe they are capable of managing both driving and phone use at the same time. This overconfidence is very dangerous. As a result, individuals may view distracted driving as dangerous for others, but not for themselves. They underestimate the risk and overestimate their ability to multitask, failing to acknowledge the substantial degradation in reaction time, situational awareness,

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and Social Pressure

Modern phone use is also driven by emotional and social needs. The fear of missing out (FOMO) creates a strong psychological urge to stay constantly connected. Notifications from friends, family, or social media platforms create an internal pressure to respond immediately. This is especially true for younger drivers, who may feel a sense of urgency about being reachable or maintaining a digital presence. In some cases, there is a perception that delayed replies—especially to work-related messages—could lead to missed opportunities or negative judgments. The phone becomes a tool for managing social identity and relationships, even at the cost of safety.

Boredom and Low-Stimulation Environments

In certain driving environments—particularly long, monotonous routes or traffic jams—drivers may experience cognitive underload. Boredom can trigger a desire for stimulation, and phones provide an easy and rewarding distraction. Unlike high-speed or complex driving, where attention is naturally more engaged, slow-moving or repetitive conditions can lull drivers into complacency. The result is a dangerous paradox: drivers seek stimulation through their phones in situations where vigilance is still essential. Only last week I was on patrol and came across a young woman who was on her phone in traffic. I got out of the patrol car and was standing beside her for at least 10 seconds before she observed me. I was on full uniform wearing a high visibility roads policing jacket and she still didn’t see me.

Weak Social Norms and Lack of Stigma

Mobile phone use while driving is still not viewed with the same level of social disapproval as other risky behaviours like drink-driving. Because it is so common and widely visible, many people normalize it, thinking “everyone does it.” This normalisation reduces the psychological barrier to engaging in the behaviour. Without strong cultural messages condemning it, phone use continues to be treated casually rather than as a serious risk.

Finally

Distracted driving is not merely a matter of poor decision-making; it is deeply rooted in human psychology. Habit, overconfidence, social pressure, and misperceptions about attention and time all contribute to why people continue to use their phones behind the wheel. Addressing this issue requires more than just enforcement by An Garda Siochana and ad campaigns by the Road Safety Authority—it demands a shift in attitudes, better public education, and changes to technology design that help interrupt dangerous habits. Despite clear evidence of the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, many drivers continue to engage in this risky behaviour. From texting and scrolling through social media to answering calls or checking notifications, phone use while driving remains a persistent issue on roads in this country. Understanding the psychology behind why people engage in this behaviour is essential to developing effective interventions and changing public attitudes and ultimately making our roads safer for everyone to use.

Distracted driving remains a critical road safety issue in Ireland and globally. With nearly a third of serious collisions potentially linked to distraction, the evidence is unequivocal: distraction impairs driver performance across all key metrics. Effective prevention depends on sustained enforcement, education, cultural change, and innovation. Reducing driver distraction will save lives, prevent injuries, and improve road safety outcomes for all.