As many as one in five Australian drivers have no problem using their mobile device while behind the wheel, despite the risks, a survey conducted by online insurer, Budget Direct Car Insurance.
Young people aged 18 to 37 responded that they were more likely to be comfortable driving with their phones because they felt safe and capable of doing so.
The insurer recently surveyed 1,000 Aussies aged 18 and older about distracted driving to better understand behaviours and attitudes.
Of those who participated, the majority said tougher penalties were the most effective way of deterring people from handling their phone while on the road. In the three years to 2023, the percentage of respondents who said a fine exceeding A$1,000 ($655) would stop them from texting and driving has more than doubled.
Research shows road users are 10 times more likely to crash if they are texting, browsing, or emailing while driving. A driver's reaction time when distracted is comparable to a drunk driver with a blood alcohol reading between 0.07 and 0.107. Glancing away from the road for just two seconds at 60 km/h means the driver is effectively driving blind for 33 metres.
Those who were surveyed in Queensland were the most likely to say that tougher penalties for mobile phone laws would be the most effective deterrent for people texting and driving.
Queenslanders also copped the biggest penalties per state, with a fine costing A$1,161 and four demerit points. Those in Western Australia had the second highest penalty at fines ranging from A$500-A$1,000 and 3-4 demerit points, with the rest of the country ranging from A$600 fines and 3-5 demerit points. Tasmania had the lowest penalties at A$390 for a fine and three demerit points.