A 2024 observational survey by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) found that 6% of Irish drivers were observed using a handheld mobile device, representing an improvement on 2023’s figure of 9%. Distracted driving due to handheld mobile device usage is a dangerous behaviour that leads to road traffic collisions. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), drivers using a mobile phone are 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash. The RSA’s Mobile Device Usage Survey 2024, based on almost 26,000 roadside observations nationwide, highlights that thousands of drivers are distracted on our roads.
Key Findings:
- Overall usage fell: 6% of drivers observed were using a handheld mobile devices, down from 9% in 2023.
- Car drivers most likely: 6% of car drivers were seen using devices, compared to 2% of light goods vehicle drivers (down from 13% in 2023).
- How devices were used: 67% of drivers observed using a mobile device were using this in hand (e.g., typing, scrolling), while 33% held the device to their ear.
- Road type improvements: Usage fell across all road types, with the biggest drop on motorways (from 9% to 2%).
- Gender: Males and females were equally likely to be observed using a device (6% each).
- Time of day: Morning drivers (7.30-9.15am) and lunchtime had higher levels of usage compared to the evenings.
- Weekday vs weekend: Usage ranged from 5–7% during weekdays and was 5% at weekends.
While the observational survey captures a snapshot of driver behaviour, self-reported data suggests the issue is far more widespread. The RSA’s 2024 Driver Attitudes and Behaviour (DAB) study found that:
- 23% of respondents said they check apps (notifications, social media, messages/emails) while driving at least sometimes.
- 12% admitted they write or respond to texts or social media posts at least sometimes
- 13% reported they talk on a handheld mobile phone while driving at least sometimes.
- A majority, 55%, indicated talk on a mobile phone hands-free while driving at least sometimes.
- These figures highlight that while roadside observations show encouraging improvements, distracted driving through mobile device use remains a persistent problem on Irish roads.
Commenting on the findings, Michael Rowland, RSA Director of Research, Standards and Assurance said:
“While the roadside survey shows progress, the Driver Attitudes and Behaviour study tells us a different story. Far too many drivers admit to checking apps, sending messages or talking on their phone while driving. These habits are not only dangerous — they normalise distracted driving. Even when a car is stationary in traffic, reaching for your phone distracts you from potential hazards and sends the wrong signal to passengers, including children. Every time you drive, you set an example — the safest choice is to keep the phone out of reach.”
The RSA has conducted driver observational surveys on mobile phone use since 2009 (broadening this in 2022 to capture mobile devices).
