Research reveals that the actual proportion of drivers using mobile phones is much higher than police records, and the problem of distracted driving may have been underestimated for a long time

2026/09/11 11:45 Text/Reporter Chen Yingjie

The dangers of using mobile phones while driving, and the actual usage and quantity, are far more serious than official statistics indicate. (Picture taken from social platform "X")

The dangers of cell phone swiping while driving not only put drivers in danger, but the actual usage and quantity are far more serious than official statistics show. The latest research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that police accident records may significantly underestimate drivers’ use of cell phones before car accidents. Remote information obtained through driving safety apps shows that the actual proportion of cell phone use is at least 7 times higher than police records, highlighting that the problem of distracted driving may be underestimated for a long time.

The research team compared nearly 17,000 police accident records and positioning and driving data provided by Cambridge Mobile Telematics and found that within 30 seconds before the impact, about 7% of single-vehicle accidents and 8% of two-vehicle accidents involved the use of mobile phones; however, in police records, less than 1% of similar accidents were found to be related to mobile phones.

Please read on...

The study also found that distracted driving is no longer just about sending text messages or answering calls. It also includes passive mobile phone use such as unlocking the screen and placing it on the cup holder to use navigation. In addition, as the vehicle speed increases, the frequency of driving using mobile phones also increases. When the eyes are off the road for a few seconds, it seems short, but in fact the risk of accidents increases.

The study also found that social media and audio-visual platforms have become new sources of distraction. Some drivers even watch videos while driving at high speeds, making "watching mobile phones" a new threat to road safety.

IIHS pointed out that 31 states in the United States have implemented relatively complete hands-free mobile phone laws, allowing the police to directly carry out law enforcement based on whether drivers are holding mobile phones. The study believes that the huge gap between police accident records and driving data shows that the problem of distracted driving requires more accurate data to formulate effective traffic safety policies.

Become a fan and see more car information -> "Free Times Auto Channel Fan Group"

Looking for Nissan electric car for 750,000 yuan? Published at the end of September

A major new traffic system is on the road on 9/11, with a maximum fine of 500,000 yuan

Apple iOS 27 is confirmed to be launched on 9/14! CarPlay multiple in-vehicle function upgrades

More test drive videos

No need to draw, no need to grab. Now use the APP to read the news. You are guaranteed to win every day. Click me to download the APP. Click me to see the event details.

Keywords

hands free

car accident

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

IIHS

Slide the phone