Distracted driving: How to lessen your risk

• According to the NSW Centre for Road Safety, taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds can double your crash risk.
• Everyday habits like phone use and eating and drinking are common causes of driver distraction.
• Penalties for mobile phone use vary across states and territories, with fines ranging from $410 to over $1,200.

Anything that takes your attention away from driving is a distraction. When your focus is divided, you react slower. By not reacting quickly to hazards on the road, your risk of a crash increases.

Australian Government road safety research shows distraction is a factor in 16% of serious casualty road crashes. Put simply, distraction can be deadly. It’s just as serious as drink driving.

Distractions fall under three main categories:

1. Visual: taking your eyes off the road
2. Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
3. Cognitive: noises or thoughts interrupting your concentration

Distractions can come from inside your car. These include:

• Using a mobile phone or smartwatch 
• Eating, drinking, or smoking
• Arguing or talking 
• Looking after children
• Fixing hair or makeup
• Using in-car screens or controls

Distractions can also come from outside your vehicle, such as:

• Roadside ads
• Electronic traffic signs
• Navigating unfamiliar roads
• Bad weather
• Other road users

Findings from the National Road Safety Week 2026 Australian Driving Behaviour report reveal many drivers admit to distracted driving. The report states 92% of Australians know phone use maims and kills, yet one in three young drivers check notifications within minutes.

A few simple good habits can help you stay focused.

1. Set your music, GPS or other in-car tech before you start driving.
2. Ask your passengers not to disturb you, or ask them to manage distractions.
3. Avoid eating or drinking while driving.
4. Use the ‘Do not disturb’ mode on your mobile phone. See the mobile phone rules. 
5. Keep your phone out of sight if you don’t need it.
6. Take a break at a rest area every two hours during long trips.

If the police believe you don’t have ‘proper control’ of your car, you’ll likely incur a fine and demerit points. 

Research by Transport for NSW into Mobile phone and distraction (PDF, 82KB) shows the risks. It reveals using a mobile phone while driving can increase your risk of an accident four-fold. Also, taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your risk of a crash. 

Each state and territory has strict mobile phone rules for drivers. Breaking these rules can lead to large fines and demerit points.

If you have a full driver’s licence:

• You must not hold your phone while driving.
• You can only use your phone hands-free, or when it’s secured in a cradle.
• Then, you may only use it for calls, music, or navigation. 

You must not text, email, use social media, take photos or video, or use any other phone functions while driving.

Learner and P1 drivers must not use mobile phones at all while driving in NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, and VIC.

P2 drivers can only use mobile phones in line with the rules in each state. In NSW, P2 drivers must not use mobile phones while driving.

These rules are stricter than you might think, so watch out for the following:

• Mobile phone rules still apply when your vehicle is stopped but not parked, such as at traffic
  lights.
• If you’re holding your mobile phone in your hand while driving, you can be fined.
• If your phone touches any part of your body while driving, you can be fined.
• The rules also apply to other distracting devices, like computers, tablets, and smartwatches. 

You can only use a screen if it helps you drive, such as a reversing camera or GPS. The screen must be fixed in place or built into your vehicle. It must not distract you or another driver.

Passengers can use digital screens, but they must not distract any drivers.

Breaking mobile phone laws can cost you at least 3 demerit points and a $410 fine. However, penalties vary across states and territories. In QLD you could be fined as much as $1,251, while in NSW you can lose 5 demerit points instantly. Also, bear in mind that demerit points can double during public holidays.

You can check the penalties below:

Across the country, mobile phone detection cameras are watching drivers on the road. These cameras use artificial intelligence (AI) to spot illegal phone use.

If you reach the demerit point limit for your state or territory, your licence may be suspended. The offences will remain on your driving record. This may signal higher risk to your insurer, which could affect future premiums.

Your car insurance premiums and renewal eligibility may change for various reasons. One key factor is your driving history, as set out in your policy’s terms and conditions. 

If you have Allianz Car Insurance, you must contact us about any changes to your driving history.

• Be honest about any changes to your driving record.
• Tell us if your licence is suspended or restricted.
• Let us know about any recent accidents, claims, or offences.

When you renew your policy, you have a duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation to us. This means you must answer our questions honestly, accurately, and to the best of your knowledge. If you don’t, we may reduce or not pay your claim, or cancel your policy.