Drivers are up to four times more likely to get in an accident using their smartphone while driving. The FIA Region I Road Safety Campaign calls for reflection on mobile distraction while driving.
We increasingly cannot live without our smartphone, so why would we risk an accident or life for it?
While many drivers use their mobile phone for navigation purposes, this should be set up before drivers start the engine. Notifications from smartphones can also be a source of distraction. By turning on the “do not disturb” mode before driving, the number of notifications that show up on smartphones can be reduced.
Distracted driving can lead to deadly accidents, most of which could be avoided. FIA Region I calls on drivers to wait until reaching their destination safely to text, call or email.
“Mobile distraction is prevalent in many situations, even beyond driving. Pedestrians, cyclists and other road users should also be aware of the risks they take when using their phones in traffic,” said Laurianne Krid, FIA Region I Director General.
The FIA Region I campaign will be rolled out in 35 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and has been translated into 27 languages.
Timo Svetina, the 2023 Winner of the International Best Young Driver Contest, has been appointed to be the FIA Region I Road Safety Ambassador for the mobile distraction campaign.
The International Best Young Driver contest aims to encourage safer driving skills among young people. Young drivers are still overrepresented in road casualties. The contest serves as an event to put forward the message that young people can drive safely and responsibly. Together with the Road Safety Ambassador, the FIA Region I continues its advocacy work in increasing road safety.
The FIA Region I road safety campaign is supported by the FIA Road Safety Grant Programme.
