A recent study conducted by AAMI has brought renewed attention to the prevalence of distracted driving among Australians.
According to the research, 38% of drivers reported involvement in an accident or near-miss due to distraction.
The study also found that nearly 90% of respondents admitted to driving while distracted at some point, with cognitive distractions – such as thinking about personal matters while driving – cited by 36% as a primary factor.
The research further indicated that almost a quarter of drivers would not consider changing their driving habits unless they or someone close to them experienced a serious incident.
These findings have prompted AAMI to launch the AAMI Driving Test (ADT), a nationwide initiative providing drivers with free access to telematics data and feedback aimed at improving road safety.
The AAMI study outlined several behaviours contributing to driver distraction. Technology use remained a significant factor, with one in four drivers acknowledging they are distracted by mobile devices and smartwatches.
Adjusting entertainment or navigation systems was cited by 60% of drivers as a source of distraction. Other distractions included:
Mary Kennedy, motor prevention manager at AAMI, said the research suggests Australian motorists often perceive their own driving more favourably than that of others.
“They are more likely to blame bad behaviours on other drivers than own up to them,” she said.
While one in four admitted to being distracted by devices like smartphones or smartwatches, that figure rises to 64% when they assess other drivers’ actions.
Similarly, 40% confessed to slowing down to observe crash scenes or breakdowns, but they estimate over 60% of others do the same.
“This shows we tend to be biased towards our own behaviours, believing we are safer drivers when compared to others,” Kennedy said.
AAMI’s new initiative leverages telematics technology to provide drivers with insights into their driving behaviour.
The AAMI Driving Test uses mobile phone data to assess five key behaviours:
The program aims to help drivers identify specific areas for improvement.
Kennedy explained that AAMI processes over 400,000 motor insurance claims each year, providing the company with significant insight into the factors behind road accidents and their effects on both individuals and the community.
“Through the AAMI Driving Test, we use mobile telematics to track five key behaviours – speeding, sudden braking, sharp cornering, rapid acceleration, and mobile phone use – helping drivers pinpoint where they can improve,” Kennedy said.
AAMI’s analysis of more than 500 million kilometres of driving data shows that participants who begin with lower safety scores and engage with this feedback tend to improve their driving over time.
“These insights are now available to every Australian driver through the AAMI app. We’re hoping to put the knowledge and power back into drivers’ hands, so they can make informed decisions when behind the wheel, something which we all benefit from,” Kennedy said.
Russell White, CEO and founder of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, noted the increasing role of distraction in serious road incidents.
“Distraction has become one of the major contributing factors in serious crashes. It’s easy to forget you’re travelling in a fast-moving, heavy machine. The data shows it’s now rivalling fatigue and speeding as a major cause of road trauma,” he said.
“Anything that pulls your attention off the road, even for two seconds, can change everything. Whether it’s a buzzing phone, adjusting the radio, or simply daydreaming, all distractions divert attention from the task of driving and compromise reaction times and decision-making.”
White explained that distractions fall into three categories:
White pointed out that mobile phones are particularly problematic, requiring drivers to look away from the road, use their hands, and focus mentally on the device rather than driving.
“Your choices matter. Every time you drive, you control the outcome. Whatever it is – the text, the call, the quick glance – it can all wait,” he said.
Recent statistics from South Australia highlight persistent risks for younger drivers. Between 2019 and 2023, 102 people under 25 died in road crashes, with 58 deaths and over 3,000 injuries among those aged 17 to 21.
In most serious incidents involving young drivers, the individual was found to be at fault.
To address these risks, the RAA’s Street Smart High program recently engaged more than 12,500 students in road safety education, including crash simulations and presentations from first responders and those affected by road trauma.
RAA CEO Nick Reade noted that newly licensed drivers in South Australia remain disproportionately involved in crashes resulting in injury or death.
“Street Smart High is about showing students the real-life consequences of dangerous behaviour behind the wheel – whether that’s speeding, driving distracted, or failing to wear a seatbelt,” he said.
Meanwhile, Queensland has surpassed 200 road fatalities in 2025, according to the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ), putting the state on track for its highest annual toll since 2009.
The RACQ’s annual survey found that more than three-quarters of Queensland drivers admitted to speeding, with young men aged 18 to 24 most likely to exceed speed limits. Nearly a third of this group believed it was safe to drive more than 11km/h over the posted limit.
These trends highlight ongoing challenges for insurers and road safety advocates as they work to reduce risk and improve outcomes for Australian motorists.
