The number of drivers using their phones in the car has dropped, according to a new report from the Road Safety Authority.

Based on nearly 26,000 roadside observations, the study shows 6% of drivers were seen using a phone, down from 9% in 2023.

The research also highlights that car drivers are the most frequent offenders, with mobile usage falling across all road types, especially on motorways, where usage has dropped from 9% to just 2%.

Hugh Morris from Hugh Morris Alliance Auctioneers said he sees it as a huge factor in congested traffic.

“I absolutely notice this, and I think the one other side of things when you’re travelling in the city and urban and built up areas, the biggest thing that we notice is the pedestrians also [have their] head in the phone,” he told Lunchtime Live.

“I think that’s another big factor, basically, that should be advertised and brought to light more.

“Because part of the traffic fatalities that do happen on an annual basis, unfortunately, are pedestrians."

Person hand with iPhone displaying Google maps GPS navigator on streets of Tokyo, Japan. Image: Oleksiy Maksymenko Photography / Alamy. 28 March 2014

Liam from Tipperary, who said he has to drive frequently for work, said he sees the design of modern cars as also playing a factor.

“All the controls now of the car are controlled through these communication screens,” he said.

“So, you’re trying to change the temperature of the car, you’re trying to turn fans on or off, you’re changing radio stations.

“But the reality is these are big, bright, LED displays; they’re very distracting in cars.

“While they’re moving, I do think they should turn off or they should go into sleep mode.”

An iPhone is connected to a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Image: AP Photo/Paul Sancya. 6 October 2016

According to listener Julia, because people often use their phone for navigational purposes while driving, they feel more comfortable answering calls while in the car.

“I mean, I did use Mrs Google to get around West Cork, but I did not answer any calls that came through,” she said.

“If my phone rings when I’m not using Mrs Google, I just don’t answer it.

“Every car [now has] Bluetooth, righ? I do not understand why Bluetooth is used, why people have to take the phone up in their hands.

“If you haven’t got it, don’t use your phone.”

Navigation apps

One texter got in touch to say that even navigational apps such as Google Maps often prompt the user to interact with their phone.

The texter said this can involve asking the user to confirm if there are roadworks, speed cameras, or other things ahead on the road.

“I think it’s insane that apps like this knowingly seek engagement from drivers - and that they’re allowed to do it,” they said.

Main image: Reading text message while driving a car. Image: Alamy Stock Photo