RAC has launched a road safety campaign focused on distracted driving, after new research revealed 80 percent of motorists are using their phone behind the wheel.
The new research found 4 in 5 Western Australians used their phone while driving, despite 9 in 10 labelling the act as risky.
Last year, 28 people were killed in inattention-related crashes, a 112% increase on the previous five-year average.
The findings have prompted RAC to take action with a new road safety initiative titled ‘Look Up’.
RAC Executive General Manager Advocacy and Members Patrick Walker said the campaign was prompted by the growth of distracted driving to epidemic levels.
“Distracted driving is fast becoming one of the leading causes of deaths and serious injuries on our roads and as technology evolves so too does the level of distraction in our cars,” Mr Walker said.
“There is a myth this type of distraction is only a problem among younger drivers, however the issue affects all ages and is one of the most complex and devastating road safety challenges we currently face.
“Instead of letting our devices control us, we need to look up when we’re driving and focus on what’s most important, the safety of ourselves and those around us.”
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