Motorists get distracted by in car gadgets says RAC

Over a third of motorists admit they have become seriously distracted while behind the wheel.

A survey conducted by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) found 39 per cent of the 1,109 drivers who took part had been distracted by changing CDs, playing with their sat-nav or using a mobile phone.

Government figures show deaths that were at least partly due to in-car distractions have risen 50 per cent in recent years. In 2005 50 road deaths were attributed to in car distractions, compared to 75 in 2007.

The RAC asked drivers what seriously distracted them while driving.

Music came top of the list with 60 per cent of people saying fiddling with the controls on their stereo or changing CDs affected their concentration.

Sat-navs came second with just over 40 per cent saying they caused distraction while just over 20 per cent of motorists said warning lights on their dashboards often affected their concentration.

Moreover the survey found younger drivers aged between 17 and 24 were the most likely to lose concentration behind the wheel. Fifty-five per cent admitted they had become "seriously distracted" while driving.

David Bizley, RAC technical director, said: "Legislation to limit certain distractions is in place, but it's evident that many of the government's messages are not getting through to motorists.

"You only have to consider the number of motorists that continue to text and drive to see that greater awareness of how to use in car-technology responsibly is needed."

The body wants future government safety campaigns to include all potential in-car distractions, such as adjusting the radio or heating and air-conditioning controls, as well as the dangers of using mobile phones.