Driver inattention or distraction contributed to the deaths of 157 people on Tasmanian roads between 2004 and 2008 inclusive. If you are inattentive or allow yourself to become distracted when driving, you are at risk of a serious crash. This risk is greatly increased when travelling at high speeds.

Common sources of driver inattention and distraction include:

• using mobile phones
• eating or drinking
• changing radio stations or CDs
• adjusting climate controls
• paying attention to children or other passengers
• smoking.

Although it might seem straightforward, driving is actually a very complex task and as a driver, you must give your full attention to driving at all times.  Becoming distracted or not paying full attention may cause you to:

• wander out of your lane
• vary your driving speed
• misjudge safe gaps in traffic
• react more slowly
• be generally less aware of traffic.

Inattention is a major issue in both city and country areas, for all age ranges and for both men and women.

Avoid distraction

We are all busy and often try to do many things at once. Combining driving with any other activity can be fatal. To avoid distraction:

• concentrate when you're driving
• spend a few minutes getting organised before you start driving
• don't take risks - stop and take care of something that will distract you from the major task of driving
• pull off the road to take phone calls if it is safe to do so or let the phone go through to message bank.

Mobile phones

One of the major sources of distraction today is the use of mobile phones. Using a mobile phone is particularly associated with run-off-road crashes and rear-end crashes.

It is illegal to drive without due care and attention. If you are caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, you will receive a penalty of a $110 fine and two demerit points. 

Legislation, regulations and standards can't keep pace with new technology that can potentially distract drivers. As a driver, it is ultimately your responsibility to avoid distraction.