Authorities battling to tackle distracted drivers turning to phones while behind wheel

MOBILE phone use continues to be one of the biggest problem facing road authorities, with figures showing the message is still not reaching distracted young drivers.

MOBILE phone use at the wheel continues to be one of the biggest problems facing roads authorities, with figures showing the message is still not reaching young drivers.

Experts are urging pedestrians and motorists alike to pay more attention — distraction remains one of the biggest ­factors behind serious injuries and deaths.

Last year, nearly half of all motorists under 25 are believed to have used their phone illegally, according to research by the Transport ­Accident Commission.

Its annual Road Safety Monitor report found older age groups were far warier of mobile use while driving.

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MOBILE phone use continues to be one of the biggest problem facing road authorities.

But a shocking 45 per cent of drivers aged 18 to 25 confessed to doing so.

Yesterday, the Herald Sun joined forces with the TAC to Save Our Kids — a campaign designed to highlight the ­hidden toll on Victorian roads.

More than 700 children, teens and young adults have been victims of road trauma in the past decade.

Monash University Accident and Research Centre ­associate professor Jennie Oxley said distraction, speeding and alcohol were the leading causes of accidents involving young drivers.

Looking at your mobile phone when driving is essentially like driving blind.

“There is lots of research to suggest young people are more distracted by things than older people,” he said.

“There is really good evidence our young brains are still in development up to age 25, and one part that’s slower to develop is the part that ­controls risk-taking behaviour. That doesn’t just include driving but other actions like walking across roads.”

TAC Lead director of road safety Samantha Cockfield said young drivers were already at risk and needed to put their phones away.

“The reality is, we all rely heavily on our mobile phones and our new generation of drivers need to manage this phenomenon while navigating their early years on the road,” she said.

“Looking at your mobile phone when driving is essentially like driving blind because it means you’re taking your eyes off the road.”

Responding to the Herald Sun’s campaign, Premier ­Daniel Andrews said Victorians needed to remain vigilant on our roads. “We can’t for a moment stop trying to reinforce those messages about nothing being worth risking your life,” he said.

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Originally published as Authorities battling to tackle distracted drivers turning to phones while behind wheel