New RAC research reveals a stark gap between what drivers think distracts them and what actually leads to mistakes behind the wheel. Almost two-thirds (63%) of drivers admit to having made an error due to distractions, with 43% blaming talking to passengers and 37% admitting to daydreaming.
Despite these being the most common triggers of mistakes – ranging from missing junctions to near collisions – only 18% and 11% of drivers, respectively, consider them major distractions. Instead, perceived culprits include talking on the phone (46%), applying make-up or shaving (42%) and dropping an item (35%).
The third most common real-world distraction was looking at something outside the car (33%), yet only 24% believed it posed a risk. Interacting with touchscreen systems also caused errors for 26% of drivers, on par with those who see them as distractions. Even traditional controls like knobs and buttons led to 21% making mistakes.
Government data from 2023 shows 940 people were killed or seriously injured due to in-car distractions, compared to 280 from external ones.
Among under-25s, the dangers are greater – 23% say using a handheld phone caused an error, and 55% admit doing so. Eating and smoking were also higher in this group, underscoring a growing safety concern.
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