Driver distraction behind one in five crashes

Distracted drivers were the cause of nearly a fifth of road crashes in Northern Ireland over the last year, new figures have shown.

Data published by the PSNI shows that ‘inattention or attention diverted’ is the number one factor behind road traffic collisions here, accounting for 17% of incidents recorded over the last year and leading to 119 killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties.*

Driver distraction was linked to 860 crashes on our roads between 1st April 2025 and March 31st 2026 – a rise of 9% over the previous 12-month period.**

The latest findings highlight the importance of staying focused and alert behind the wheel, as even a momentary lapse in concentration can have serious consequences.

Whether it is adjusting vehicle controls, reaching for a drink or managing noisy passengers, evidence shows that taking eyes off the road for just two seconds can double the risk of crashing.***

Mobile phone use is one of the most common distractions for drivers, with 1,113 offences recorded in Northern Ireland over the last year.****

Research shows drivers are four times more likely to be in a crash if they use their phone, with reaction times being up to three times slower than drink driving.*****

A survey by CompareNI.com found that more than half of drivers (54%) say they’ve noticed an increase in other motorists using mobile phones, while some drivers admit to occasional lapses such as checking maps (10%), answering or rejecting calls (9%), checking phone notifications (3%) or changing music (2%).

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has been working on a new law to bring Northen Ireland in line with the rest of the UK, making it an offence to pick up a mobile phone when driving for any purpose – whether taking photos, recording video, scrolling through playlists or playing games.******

To help reduce the number of preventable collisions on our roads, CompareNI.com is encouraging motorists to take simple steps to minimise distractions.

Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “While dangerous driving is often associated with speeding or driving under the influence, data shows that distraction remains one of the biggest threats on our roads.

“Drivers must always be alert and make sure they don’t let anything inside or outside the car distract their attention, as taking their eyes off the road for even a couple of seconds can have devastating results.

“Many accidents are preventable, and staying focused behind the wheel is one of the simplest and most effective ways that motorists can protect themselves, their passengers and other road users.

“Not only that, but drivers who are convicted of careless driving will likely end up facing higher car insurance costs, as they can be viewed as higher risk by providers. Research suggests that the insurance costs could go up by as much as 26% if drivers receive six penalty points, which is worth remembering the next time drivers reach for their phone when driving.”

Top tips to help avoid driving distractions:

• Set navigation routes before driving

If using a sat-nav, the route should always be programmed before starting your journey. If changes to the planned route are needed, pull over safely before making them.

• Put mobile phone out of reach

Turn on Do Not Disturb mode before setting off or better yet, place the handset out of reach where you are not tempted to check it when driving.

• Avoid eating or drinking

Rule 148 of the Highway Code specifically advises drivers to avoid eating or drinking. If this causes you to become distracted and lose control of your vehicle, you could be charged with careless driving – which carries a fine of up to £5000 and up to nine penalty points.******

• Minimise use of in-car screens and controls

Many modern cars have touch screens rather than buttons, which can take driver’s attention away from the road for longer than many realise. Reaction times to hazards when selecting music using in-car systems have been found to be worse than texting while driving.*******

• Manage passenger distractions

From chatty front-seat passengers to misbehaving children, having other people in the car could affect your concentration behind the wheel. It is important to set clear boundaries with your passengers so that your attention isn’t taken away from the road.

CompareNI.com helps hundreds of thousands of drivers every year find savings on car insurance, as well as niche items such as taxi, van and 4×4 insurance.

References:

*https://www.psni.police.uk/sites/default/files/2026-06/Annual%20Report%20Police%20Recorded%20Traffic%20Collisions%202025-26.pdf

**https://www.psni.police.uk/sites/default/files/2025-05/Annual%20Report%20Police%20Recorded%20Traffic%20Collisions%202024-25.pdf

***https://www.healthandsafetyevent.com/news/driver-distraction-spotlight-understanding-attention-sharing-and-why-it-matters 

**** https://www.psni.police.uk/sites/default/files/2026-05/Motoring%20offences%20monthly%20update%20to%20end%20March%202026.pdf

***** https://www.think.gov.uk/themes/mobile-phones/

******https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/consultation-launched-tackle-use-mobile-phones-while-driving

*******https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/careless-and-dangerous-driving

********https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/china-to-mandate-physical-buttons-in-touchscreen-crackdown

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