Industry research has shattered long-held stereotypes and found that Generation Xers are more likely to drive distracted than Millennials, according to Volvo USA.
Volvo's report found that parents use their phone more than younger generations while driving, with 76 per cent of Gen Xers picking up their device while driving and one in three parents admitting to using their phones when children are in the car. The study also found that Gen Xers and Millennials are more likely to be distracted than Gen Zers who are only just starting to gain their licence and behind the wheel.
According the Volvo's findings, 73 per cent of Generation Xers surveyed will talk on the phone while driving, 44 per cent would send texts, 46 per cent check notifications, 52 per cent would browse social media and almost 20 per cent admitted to using video chat. The scores were higher than Millennials across the board, with the younger generation recording results of 46, 37, 34, 33, and 17 per cent respectively.
The Volvo USA study flies in the face of stereotypes about teenagers being too attached to their phones, findings that may have implications for road safety in New Zealand, according to an industry expert.
Volvo’s New Zealand GM Coby Duggan says distracted driving is a significant issue around the world and while it is often attributed to a younger, tech savvy age group, the new U.S. report clearly highlights that distracted drivers is an ageless issue that isn't going away.
Latest Ministry of Transport figures indicate that each year over 100 Kiwi drivers involved in crashes resulting in fatality or injury contributed to the accident through being distracted by a cell phone.
Duggan says the Ministry’s data also shows that for every 100 New Zealand drivers or riders who died in road crashes where diverted attention was a contributing factor, 85 passengers and another 100 road users also lost their lives.
“Distracted driving is a significant issue on our roads and is a contributing factor in around eight percent of fatal crashes in this country," said Duggan.
“Like the US, this issue is evident across generations and affects all road users - including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.”
Duggan says many of those surveyed in Volvo's research felt there are more driving distractions today than there were five years ago. More than half of those surveyed (55 per cent) say the top threat to safety on the road is driving distracted, compared to driving under the influence (31 per cent).
Duggan says car makers such as Volvo are constantly working to help solve the problem by integrating new design and safety features intended to reduce distraction and avoid collisions, protecting drivers and others on the road.
While the results are worrying for all road users, 64 per cent of those surveyed said they are looking for ways to cut down on the distractions, and among the youngest Gen-Z drivers that number rises to 89 per cent.
The survey found some good driving habits, too, with 33 per cent switching their phone to silence to minimise distractions and 32 per cent turning their phone onto “do not disturb” to eliminate notifications.