by Joe Jeffrey
Formula 1 test driver, Darren Turner, put to the test in three new distraction videos
Road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart has released three short videos highlighting the different aspects of driver distraction caused by children, mobile phones and pets.
The videos, available to view below, feature Formula 1 test driver Darren Turner as he attempts to drive an Aston Martin racing simulator around a virtual circuit while attempting to deal with a noisy five year old child, a ringing mobile phone and a barking dog.
The latest campaign from IAM RoadSmart follows figures from the Department for Transport finding 2,995 cases where distraction in the vehicle was listed as a contributory factor to accidents – in line with the organisation’s multi-award winning campaign Safely Home, which which found the top four causes of distraction were children in the car (29 per cent), changing the radio channel (27 per cent), back seat drivers (26 per cent) and mobile phone use (24 per cent). One in ten of 1,500 people surveyed also admitted to causing a crash because they were distracted.
Turner said of his involvement in the new campaign: “A professional racing driver is expected to maintain full concentration all the time while at the wheel – but I was surprised at how easy it was take your eye of the ball for a second and end up clouting the barrier in the simulator.
“Translate that to the real road, and the consequences could be far more serious.”
IAM RoadSmart’s head of driver behaviour, Rebecca Ashton said: “In our videos we see Darren tackle some very common distractions that any driver could face. It shows that even the best drivers can struggle if they are distracted for even a second.
“Whether you’re travelling with your kids, dog or even on your own there are plenty of things which might take your attention away from the road, and we’re all susceptible. But keeping your attention on the road is the most important way you can look after your passengers. Pull over in a safe place if you need to pick up a dropped toy, calm a frightened pet or answer the phone.”
Check out the three videos below and let us know: are you easily distracted on the road behind the wheel?
Child video
Mobile Phone video
Pet video
