One in three parents admit to reading texts on their phones with their kids in the car

An alarming number of mums and dads are using their phones while driving their children, new research finds.

Parents illegally using mobile phones while driving their children significantly increase the risk of a crash. Picture: iStock

Parents are putting their kids at risk by persisting in illegally using smartphones while driving the family car.

A new report by Monash University experts found more than one in three parents confessed to reading a text on a handheld phone with their kids in the car.

And almost 29 per cent of mums and dads admitted using a smartphone app while behind the wheel.

The report confirms the risky repercussions of nomophobia – the fear of being without a mobile phone – on motorists.

Parents are putting their kids at risk by using their phone behind the wheel.

Associate Professor Sjaan Koppel from the Monash University Accident Research Centre said parents illegally using mobile phones while driving their children significantly increased the risk of crash.

“These results weren’t surprising. The combined pressures of modern life, that is a driver’s headspace, and the proliferation of technology such as smartphones in vehicles have made distracted driving an omnipresent risk on Australian roads,’’ Assoc Prof Koppel said.

“Driving is a highly complex task and requires undivided attention.’’

A culture of respect for safe driving habits was needed, she said, rather than normalising errors and distractions caused by secondary tasks.

Victoria rolled out in April mobile detection cameras that can catch drivers illegally using their device or not wearing a seatbelt.

For the first three months, offenders were given a warning letter. But from July 1, fines of $577 and four demerit points will apply if they are caught on their phone while driving. Cameras will target drivers at up to 200 locations.

The Monash study said the parents’ behaviour would influence children who observed their actions.

“When child occupants witness adults or parents inappropriately using their mobile phones … it can profoundly shape their perception of what is deemed acceptable or ‘normal’ behaviour,’’ Assoc Prof Koppel said.

“This observation may lead them to believe that engaging in such behaviour is permissible when they eventually start driving a vehicle.’’

The impacts of nomophobia were still to be fully studied and understood, she said.

Recent research revealed that nomophobia can lead to poor decision-making, was associated with distraction and could be dangerous, she said.

Victorian road laws on mobile phone use in cars were eased last year to allow for some basic operations such as answering a call, playing music or for navigation.