'Far too many' motorists still using mobile phones while driving, Road Safety Authority warns

The RSA observed two-thirds (67%) of drivers using a mobile device were using it in their hand, typing or scrolling, while the rest held it to their ear.

There has been a drop in the number of drivers using mobile phones in Ireland, but “far too many” are still checking apps, sending messages or talking on their phone while driving, the Road Safety Authority has warned.

In its latest annual survey on device use in vehicles, it said 6% of Irish drivers were observed using a handheld device last year, down from 9% the year before.

Based on almost 26,000 observations on the roadside, the RSA said thousands of drivers were being distracted on our roads.

It found car drivers were most likely to be seen using a phone, at 6%, compared to just 2% of light goods vehicle drivers. This was a significant reduction from 13% of light goods vehicle drivers in 2023.

The RSA observed two-thirds (67%) of drivers using a mobile device were using it in their hand, typing or scrolling, while the rest held it to their ear.

Motorists were less likely to use their device on a motorway, while morning and lunchtime drivers were more likely to their phones than those driving in the evening.

However, the RSA said its observational study only captures a snapshot of driver behaviour, with data drivers are reporting themselves suggesting the issue is far more widespread.

Its driver attitudes survey for last year found almost a quarter (23%) of drivers said they check notifications, social media, messages, and emails while driving at least sometimes.

A further 12% admitted writing or responding to texts or social media posts at least some of the time.

A similar proportion (13%) said they talk on a handheld mobile phone while driving at least sometimes, while a majority (55%) said they talk on a phone hands-free while driving.

The RSA said these figures highlighted driving using a mobile phone — which can make people four times more likely to be involved in a crash — remains a persistent problem on the roads.

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“While the roadside survey shows progress, the Driver Attitudes and Behaviour study tells us a different story,” its director of research, standards and assurance Michael Rowland said.

“These habits are not only dangerous — they normalise distracted driving."