Nearly four in five drivers, or 78%, engage in at least one behaviour that can distract attention while driving, according to new research from Aviva Insurance Ireland.
The Aviva study, conducted among 1,000 drivers nationwide, found that 31% of drivers use map apps while driving, while 30% eat or drink, and 15% adjust dashboard screens.
One in ten drivers say they use their phone while stopped at red lights or in traffic, while 7% report reading messages, scrolling social media or replying while driving.
According to provisional Garda figures nearly 24,500 people were caught on their phones while driving last year - an 11.5% increase on the previous year.
Despite those habits, Aviva said that most drivers support the use of in-car technology designed to reduce distraction.
Almost three quarters of their respondents said they would support automatic phone blocking features that prevent notifications and apps from activating while driving, allowing only hands-free calls.
"Using map apps, adjusting touchscreens or checking messages at traffic lights has become normal for many people, but even a quick look at a screen can take your eye off the road long enough to miss a hazard or react too slowly," said product lead at Aviva Insurace Ireland Julie Frazer.
