Cell-phone use while driving continues to be a widespread problem around the globe, with many drivers not fully understanding just how dangerous it can be. In an effort to curb road fatalities on Australian roads, the safety minister for Victoria made an impactful, and scary, comparison - "motorists on their phones is the "drink-driving" of this generation." The comparison is stark, but it's one that is reflected in the data.
"A Transport Accident Commission survey of 1,742 Victorians aged 18 to 60 revealed a third used the devices illegally while driving."
As technology use increases, and devices become smarter and play bigger roles in our day-to-day lives, the temptation to use cell phones while driving will only increase. While the comparison made by the Victorian safety minister in the Guardian may feel extreme, greater awareness of the danger will be necessary as we move forward into our increasingly technological future.
For more on the Transport Accident Commission's findings, and interviews with safety experts, check out the article in the Guardian.