Survey shows many drivers still use phones while driving despite risks

A survey of the habits of Latvian drivers performed last year shows that drivers «sin» the most with vehicle maintenance and using their phone while driving.
More than a third or 34% of interviewed drivers say they personally follow their car’s technical state and turn to car repair specialists only in emergencies. 6% believe it is enough to go through compulsory technical evaluation at CSDD once a year. Almost as many drivers admit having a habit of chatting on the phone (33%) or writing text messages (5%) while driving, according to GO Responsible Driving Index survey.
Drivers in Latvia are generally responsible and avoid sitting behind the wheel while inebriated.
66% of interviewed drivers have said they have never driven their car while drunk, whereas 25% have admitted driving a car after drinking some alcohol but within permitted limits.
Data from the Road Safety Directorate (CSDD) shows that in 2021 (January-November) the number of road traffic accidents involving drunk drivers has decreased when compared to the same period of 2020 (167 and 188 respectively).
The manager of Safe Driving School (DBS) Jānis Vanks says: «Most often drivers act negligent with the state of tires, brakes and problems with suspension. This proves drivers do not check the technical state of their vehicle often enough,» says Vanks.
As for drunk driving and using the phone, the expert adds: «It is wrong to believe that only drunk driving creates risks – switching attention between driving and using the phone or eating is as dangerous, if not more dangerous. It’s important to assess risks in every situation. If need be, residents should consider either waiting until they reach their destination or stop the car and eat lunch.»
In eleven months of 2021 the number of road traffic accidents increased when compared to the same period of 2020 (37 468 and 35 433 respectively). However, the number lethal outcomes has not increased in accidents involving at least one drunk driver. The survey proves it is important to continue analysis drivers’ habits and emphasize the importance of responsible driving.
GO Responsible Driving Index is a study headed by GO non-alcoholic beer together with Safe Driving School and Norstat. The survey took place in 2021. 1 007 Latvian residents aged 18 to 74 years participated.