Smartphones have become an integral part of our everyday lives. The temptation often seems great to use them while driving - despite the obvious risks and legal prohibitions.
A current study by the digital association Bitkom highlights this phenomenon and shows that more than half of German drivers and an even higher proportion of cyclists use their smartphones while driving.
These numbers are alarming, especially considering that almost all respondents consider using a smartphone while driving to be irresponsible.
Prevalence and perception of smartphone use
The study shows a disturbing discrepancy between risk awareness and actual behavior. While 56 percent of respondents admit to having used a smartphone while driving, 94 percent recognize the irresponsibility of this behavior. Men (59 percent) are distracted slightly more often than women (54 percent).
The smartphone is used even more often on the bike, as 62 percent of those surveyed admitted. This highlights the need to further raise awareness of the dangers of smartphone use on the road.
Consequences of smartphone distraction
The consequences of smartphone distraction should not be underestimated. In addition to fines and points in Flensburg that are threatened when driving a motor vehicle or while riding a bicycle, distraction through smartphones poses a high risk of accidents.
Even a quick glance at the display can be too much in critical moments, as Dr. Sebastian Klöß from Bitkom emphasized. He recommends using your smartphone exclusively via voice control while driving or stopping briefly to do so.
Be careful when using smartphones
Not only in traffic, but also in everyday life, carelessness when using smartphones leads to mishaps. A quarter of users have bumped into a person or object while looking at their display. 15 percent even injured themselves. In addition, one in ten people have dropped their smartphone in the toilet, which underlines the need to rethink how we use these devices and, in particular, to critically question their use in road traffic.
questions and answers
Question 1: What proportion of drivers use their smartphone while driving?
Answer 1: 56 percent of drivers have used their smartphone while driving.
Question 2: Are men or women more distracted?
Answer 2: Men (59 percent) are slightly more likely to be distracted while driving than women (54 percent).
Question 3: What proportion of cyclists use their smartphone?
Answer 3: 62 percent of cyclists use their smartphone while driving.
Question 4: What are the penalties for using a smartphone while driving?
Answer 4: There is a risk of a fine of at least 100 euros and one point in Flensburg.
Question 5: How many people have injured themselves through smartphone use?
Answer 5: 15 percent of users have already injured themselves by carelessly using their smartphone.
Conclusion
Using a smartphone while driving or cycling is not only prohibited by law, but also poses a significant risk of accidents. The study by the digital association Bitkom shows that despite being aware of the dangers, many do not forego the risk. There is therefore a need for greater awareness of the risks and consistent enforcement of the rules.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual to ensure their own safety and that of other road users.
Source: Bitkom
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )