Driver distraction is now one of the most dangerous behaviours on Irish roads — and it’s getting worse.
That’s the stark reality revealed by Transpoco’s 2025 Distracted Driving Report, the first national survey of its kind. With over 1,000 drivers surveyed across all 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland, the findings offer a clear and urgent message: distraction is the new drink-driving.
🔍 What the Report Uncovered
The survey exposes how deeply ingrained distracted driving has become in everyday life.
🚨 Key Stats:
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65% say using a mobile phone is the most distracting activity while driving.
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45% of drivers have had a near miss or incident due to distraction.
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1 in 5 admit to texting while driving.
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Only 9% use built-in phone-blocking or “Do Not Disturb” features.
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51% of respondents support stricter Garda enforcement.
From smartphones to touchscreen dashboards, the modern driving experience is full of distractions — many of which feel “normal” but carry serious risks.
“We’ve become used to distractions behind the wheel. The danger is that we don’t even realise how risky they are.” — Survey respondent, Mayo
📱 Not Just Phones: Distraction by Design
While mobile use remains the top offender, the data reveals that even vehicle design is part of the problem:
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73.1% adjust music, air conditioning or in-car settings while driving.
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41.3% eat or drink.
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38.3% use sat-nav or GPS mid-journey.
Touchscreens and digital controls may look modern, but they often require multiple interactions, making simple tasks more dangerous.
“My touchscreen takes three presses just to adjust the heat. I used to do it with one dial.” — Galway respondent
👷♂️ The High-Risk Driver Profiles
The report highlights younger drivers (aged 25–34) and commercial drivers as two of the highest-risk groups.
Why younger drivers are vulnerable:
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Grew up in the digital age — always connected.
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Report the highest number of near misses.
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Least likely to use safety tools like Do Not Disturb mode.
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Overconfident in their multitasking abilities.
For fleet and commercial drivers, the pressure to stay reachable is real — but dangerous.
“If I don’t answer the call, I might miss a job. But taking the call while driving isn’t safe either.” — Driver, construction industry
🚦 Drivers Know the Risks — But Still Take Them
The majority of drivers understand the dangers. Yet there's a disconnect between awareness and action.
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58% admit to a close call or accident due to distraction.
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63% feel confident they can avoid distractions — even when evidence shows otherwise.
It’s a behavioural gap that can only be solved through education, policy, and smarter technology.
🛠 What Irish Drivers Want
The report doesn't just highlight problems — it also gathers real suggestions from drivers on how to fix them.
📝 Policy & Enforcement
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Harsher penalties for phone use (including hands-free).
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More use of AI-powered detection cameras.
🚗 Smarter Vehicle Design
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Less reliance on touchscreens.
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Built-in features like automatic Do Not Disturb or ignition-linked phone lockers.
💼 Workplace Support
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No-call driving policies.
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Regular driver training.
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Telematics to detect risky behaviour in fleets.
✅ Recommendations to Tackle the Crisis
Transpoco’s final section outlines six critical areas to address:
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Stricter penalties — More Garda resources and tougher laws.
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AI detection — Roll out tech that can spot distracted drivers.
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Smarter in-car design — Simpler controls, fewer screens.
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Phone-blocking tech — Default features in all new vehicles.
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Fleet-focused policies — Clear rules for work-related driving.
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Culture change — Shift how we view "normal" driving behaviour.
🚘 The Bottom Line
Distracted driving is no longer a side issue — it’s a main cause of accidents on Irish roads. And unlike drink-driving or speeding, it’s often hidden in plain sight: a quick glance at a message, a bite of food, a flick through music settings.
This report is a wake-up call for:
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Drivers — to reflect on habits and prioritise focus.
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Employers — to build safer fleet policies.
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Policymakers — to modernise road safety laws.
No call, text, or setting is worth a life.
📥 Download the Full Report
Get the complete findings from Transpoco’s 2025 Distracted Driving Report here: Download Report
