Traffic Accidents Are a Public Health Issue
In 2023, 229 people were seriously injured in traffic accidents in Iceland, and 8 lost their lives. Sadly, 2024 has started tragically in terms of traffic accidents, with 10 fatalities already reported this year. Reducing traffic accidents by all possible means is therefore of utmost importance.
Research shows that drivers are four times more likely to be involved in traffic accidents when talking on the phone while driving, and 23 times more likely when using their phone for other purposes, such as reading or typing messages. Phone use slows reaction times, particularly braking time, as well as responses to traffic signs and lights. It also makes it harder to maintain proper distance between vehicles and stay in the correct lane.
Rear-end collisions, so-called “bumps,” and minor accidents caused by smartphone use are common, but unfortunately, serious accidents with tragic consequences also occur. Moments of inattention in traffic cannot always be undone. For example, typing a message while driving means looking away from the road for an average of 5 seconds. At 70 km/h, this is nearly 100 meters driven blind. At 90 km/h, it’s 125 meters—longer than a football field!
It is critical to stay alert in traffic. Once the brain is occupied with other tasks, such as reading a message or selecting a song, attention is lost, and the risk of danger increases. In mixed traffic with cars, e-scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians, it is especially important to be aware of your surroundings. Vulnerable road users, including many children, require drivers to stay focused.
We Know This Is Not Okay
Most of us have likely been tempted to use our phones when we shouldn’t. Smartphones and social media demand our attention with sounds and promises of new information and exciting interactions. People generally acknowledge that phone use while driving is dangerous, but there is a significant gap between what we believe to be risky and what we actually do.
According to the Icelandic Transport Authority, 99% of Icelanders believe browsing social media while driving is dangerous, with 59% labeling it extremely dangerous. However, 23% admit to doing so. Similarly, over 95% believe reading messages while driving is dangerous, but 40% still engage in it. Around 50% think it’s acceptable to manage music, podcasts, or audiobooks on their phones while driving, despite this being highly distracting.
Such behavior significantly impairs driving ability. It’s worth reflecting on how difficult it can be to align our actions with our beliefs and values. It’s also striking that people view certain behaviors—like managing entertainment on their phones—as less dangerous when the reality is quite different.
In addition to dangerous phone use while driving, the phone use of others is one of the most distracting factors for drivers. About 60% of Icelanders say others’ phone use distracts or stresses them while driving, and this figure rises to nearly 70% among younger drivers. Many of us would like to reduce or stop this behavior, but it’s a challenge for many. Fortunately, a technological solution now makes it easier to stay focused while driving.
Driving Focus Mode
Driving Focus Mode is a feature available in the latest Android and Apple operating systems. Phones can be set to activate this mode automatically when connected to a car’s Bluetooth system. The device becomes silent, no notifications are received, and distractions are minimized. This mode works like airplane mode but activates automatically, requiring just one-time setup. Messages and calls received while driving can be reviewed and answered once you reach your destination.
Sjóvá and the Icelandic Transport Authority have launched the campaign Don’t Take Screen Risks, highlighting the dangers of phone use while driving. The campaign likens this behavior to typing a letter on a typewriter while driving—a notion no one would consider acceptable. The distraction is the same, yet we accept one behavior and not the other.
Visit www.skjahaetta.is to learn more about the campaign. The website offers tips and information to help reduce screen-related risks while driving, including instructional videos on enabling Driving Focus Mode. By avoiding screen distractions, drivers can contribute to their own safety and that of others.
In Iceland, using smart devices while driving without hands-free equipment is illegal. Violators face a fine of ISK 40,000 and one penalty point on their driving record. In 2023, over 1,000 drivers were fined for such behavior, and police in the capital region have stated they will closely monitor illegal phone use in conjunction with the campaign. Distracted driving can also impact insurance claims in traffic accident cases.
Let’s Get Home Safely
We know we’re inviting danger when using phones while driving. Driving requires undivided attention, and most of us want to be responsible and considerate. Let’s work together to reduce screen-related risks by leaving phones and other smart devices untouched while driving.
Prepare for your journey before setting off by starting an audiobook, playlist, or navigation app—or ask a passenger for help if needed. Who knows? You might even experience a sense of calm and quality time in the car without the constant interruptions of beeps and notifications.
The most important thing is for everyone to get home safely.
Gunnar Geir Gunnarsson, Head of Safety and Education, Icelandic Transport Authority
Hrefna Sigurjónsdóttir, Prevention Project Manager, Sjóvá
This article was first published on Vísir.is on May 23, 2024.
