The mobile phones They have evolved into an integral part of our daily lives, but their use on the steering wheel creates a new, serious threat to road safety. The phenomenon of engaging with smartphone Driving is no longer just a casual infringement, but it has taken on epidemic dimensions, with dangerous consequences on the streets of Greece and abroad.
Driving with Smartphone: The alarming reality in Greece
In Greece, distracting while driving is a problem that is constantly swollen. According to a survey by the Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute, almost 2023 60% of drivers He admits that he regularly deals with the mobile phone on the go, mainly to read messages or to use social networking applications. This image is also confirmed by relevant traffic surveys, which records thousands of violations each year, but there is no reduction in incidents.
The problem is so extensive that, according to Greek police data, the use of a mobile phone while driving is directly or indirectly associated with above 400 traffic accidents Time, many of which are serious or even lethal.
According to a study by the National Technical University of Athens, the distraction of the driver is responsible for 12% of the road accidents in Greece. The use of mobile phone while driving increases the chance of an accident by up to four times.
The point about hands-free devices is extremely important and often overlooked. The finding that do not prove to be safer because of cognitive detachment It focuses on the spiritual process that requires a conversation that distracts from driving, regardless of whether the driver’s hands are free. Cognitive detachment involves shifting the catering from the road environment to telephone conversation, affecting the driver’s perception, crisis and reaction time.
How are drivers reaction times affected by technology and substances
A recent study by the Already RoadsMart And the Transport Research Laboratory revealed alarming evidence of how slow the reaction time of a driver slows when his attention is distracted by various factors. Indicatively, while a driver without detachment responds within 1 second, this time may be increased to by 57% When the application is used Apple Carplay with touch!
More specifically, the use of a mobile phone-either by touch or even with hands-free-significantly delays the driver’s reaction. In fact, the use of infotainment systems, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlayit’s more dangerous than we might have imagined. The paradox is that even the vocal commandsconsidered safer, affect the driver more than Consumption of a small amount of alcohol or use of cannabis.
The top of the list is occupied by the Apple Carplay with touchwhich increases the reaction time per 57%while following the Android Auto with touch with 53%. The voice commands in the same applications increase the time by 30-36%.
This data clearly emphasizes that even “smart” technologies are not free of danger. Dealing with screens, applications and systems infotainment should only be done when the vehicle is stoppedas delays in reaction can cost lives.
| Activity / intervention | Increase reaction time (%) |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Limit (DRINK-DRIVE LIM) | 12% |
| Use of cannabis | 21% |
| Call using hands-free | 27% |
| Use Android Auto (voice commands) | 30% |
| Send messages (Texting) | 35% |
| Use Apple Carplay (voice commands) | 36% |
| Call with hand on hand | 46% |
| Use Android Auto (with touch) | 53% |
| Use Apple Carplay (with touch) | 57% |
Driving with a smartphone: The international dimension of the problem
A recent British study of the telematics IMS company, which analyzed data from 500,000 drivers in one year, reveals a particularly worrying reality: nine in ten drivers In Britain they say they cannot take a route without dealing with their mobile phone.
More specifically:
- 38% of drivers They used the mobile for up to 25% of the route.
- 28% They dealt for 25-50% of the time.
- 16% They use it for 50-75% of the journey duration.
- 8% They had it active for over 75% of the route.
It is characteristic that each distraction of attention lasts, on average, 200 secondstime in which a vehicle moving at 80 km/h is equal to three football stadiums!
In addition, according to a study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the use of mobile phone during driving doubles the risk of accident. This survey, based on data from 3,500 drivers and 1,600 accidents, concluded that almost 90% of accidents are related to human errors, such as distraction, fatigue or loss of concentration .
Touch Screens in the car: The new trap
It’s not just smartphones that threaten security. The large, complicated touch screens equipped with new cars are another significant risk. According to Euro NCAP, the use of such screens for basic functions (such as fluctuating volume or air conditioning) can distract driver’s attention to up to 22 secondsa period that can prove to be fatal.
The same organization announced that by the 2026 It will reduce the safety rating of vehicles that do not have natural buttons for basic functions.
Driving with a smartphone: Why don’t drivers comply?
In spite of the strict fines that in Greece reach the 100 euros and removal of license for 30 daysdrivers are still not falling. The sense of impunity, limited policing and the devaluation of risks are some of the reasons that experts mention.
Road safety activist Rebecca Morris stresses that there is a “culture of impunity and addiction to mobile phones”, calling for immediate action by governments and reinforcing awareness campaigns.
What do experts say?
Professor of Psychology Gamma Briggs, from Britain, points out that even the hands-free calls cause significant cognitive detachment. Drivers’ attention remains reduced for several seconds after the conversation, making them vulnerable to unpredictable road conditions.
IMS CEO, Paul Stice, warns that smartphones remain the leading cause of accidents and insurance claims, and calls for more responsibility than drivers and manufacturers.
Impacts on road safety
Disturbing when driving leads to delayed reactions, increased chance of signal violations and reduced environmental perception capacity. This results in an increase in the probability of accidents, especially in urban areas with increased traffic and unpredictable conditions.
How can we reverse the situation?
Treating the phenomenon requires:
-
Police reinforcement and stricter sanctions.
-
Extensive update campaigns and public awareness.
-
Compulsory introduction Restriction of Use Technologies mobile within the vehicles.
-
Design of car With less detaching screens and more natural buttons.
Driving with Smartphone: How much does it cost if traffic caught you
On the basis of the Road Traffic Codeto have the smartphone in the hands while driving is a one very dangerous infringement and is one of the main causes of traffic accidents. Therefore, administrative ratification is imposed Removal of traffic and driving license for 60 days and in addition, administrative fine of 100 euros.
What about Bluetooth and hands free?
As set out in Article 13, paragraph 2, the use of mobile phone while driving time permitted only when it is placed in Special position for open listening or when used with wireless bluetooth. Contrary tono use is not allowed mobile by combining it with wired headphones type hands free.
‘Criminalization’ of wired headphones lies in the increased chances of causing an accident in case tangled the cablesblocking the uninterrupted process of driving the man holding the steering wheel.