Nearly 4 in 5 Drivers Admit to Engaging in Distracting Behaviours Behind the Wheel
New Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva) research reveals that many drivers engage in a range of distracting behaviours, such as phone use and using in-car technology, that can divert attention from the road
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78% of drivers admit to engaging in at least one distracting behaviour while driving - including using map apps (31%) or eating and drinking (30%)
- 15% adjust in-car touchscreens, 10% use their phones at red lights or in traffic, while 7% read notifications, use social media or reply to messages while driving
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71% support the use of automatic phone blocking features while driving, allowing only hands-free calls
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Garda data shows that there were nearly 24,500 mobile phone offences in 2025, up 11.5% on the previous year, averaging 67 drivers detected daily*
Nearly four in five drivers (78%) engage in at least one behaviour that can distract attention while driving, according to new research from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva)**.
The Aviva study, conducted among 1,000 drivers nationwide, highlights how common these habits are - from glancing at a map app to adjusting screens, eating, drinking or checking a message. This builds on previous Aviva research into driver behaviour, which has consistently pointed to distraction as an ongoing issue on Irish roads.
Driver distraction remains an important road safety concern
According to the Aviva study, behaviours that can divert attention, even briefly, are part of everyday driving for many people in Ireland.
The research found that 31% of drivers use map apps while driving, 30% eat or drink, and 15% adjust dashboard screens — behaviours that can take attention away from the road.
Notably, one in ten drivers (10%) say they use their phone while stopped at red lights or in traffic, while 7% report reading messages, scrolling social media or replying while driving.
Garda statistics also highlight the issue. In 2025, nearly 24,500 mobile phone offences were recorded, an 11.5% increase on the previous year, highlighting ongoing concern around driver distraction as a road safety concern. In the same year, Road Safety Authority (RSA) figures show that road deaths reached their highest level in over a decade***, reinforcing the importance of continued attention to road safety behaviours.
Drivers want tools to help them stay focused
Despite these behaviours, most drivers support the use of in-car technology designed to reduce distraction. Almost three quarters (71%) say they would support automatic phone blocking features that prevent notifications and apps from activating while driving, allowing only hands-free calls.
This research shows how easily everyday habits can become safety risks. Using map apps, adjusting touchscreens or checking messages at traffic lights has become normal for many people, but even a quick look at a screen can take your eye off the road long enough to miss a hazard or react too slowly. With Gardaí reporting almost 24,500 mobile phone offences last year, it highlights that distraction remains an important road safety issue. The positive news is that drivers recognise this and are open to technology that helps them stay focused.
Commenting on the findings, Julie Frazer, Underwriting and Product Lead at Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC said:
ENDS
*according to An Garda Síochána’s Provisional Crime Statistics Year-end 2025, which can be found here.
**according to research of 1,000 drivers in Ireland conducted by 3Gem Research and Insights on behalf of Aviva, 2026
***based on Road Safety Authority (RSA) provisional road death figures for 2025, as reported here.