On handlebars or at the wheel, the French glued to their phones
This page is translated from the original post "Au guidon ou au volant, les Français scotchés au téléphone" in French.
- 07/04/2022 12:15
Cyclists like motorists have the unfortunate habit of using their smartphones while riding.
Saying that using your phone while driving is dangerous is an obvious statement. It would indeed take a significant amount of dishonesty to argue otherwise. Yet, many drivers fail to break free from this bad habit.
8 out of 10 drivers admit to using it
Even more concerning, the situation worsens over time. This is what the latest Axa barometer, conducted from January 10 to 25, 2022, with a sample of 2,253 people representative of the population, reveals.
The study indeed states that 80% of drivers use their smartphones while driving. This figure, up 11 points compared to 2021, sets a new record.
Answering a call, reading a text message, checking a notification, temptations are numerous. Here’s what the French respondents specifically reported:
- 52% make calls
- 45% set their GPS
- 34% read or write text messages
- 24% check their notifications
- 8% post stories on social media
- 15% send work emails and 6% participate in business meetings
Cyclists are also addicted to their phones
Among cyclists, the increase is even more significant: +14 points compared to last year. Now, 72% use their phone while steering. Note that there is a true disparity behind this figure between owners and renters, with owners being more disciplined than renters.
Motorcycle and scooter riders are logically less glued to their smartphones. But 46% still admit to using them while riding (+8 points). Among e-scooter users, the trend is downward (-3 points). However, this is no cause for celebration: 84% still use their smartphones at the handlebars.
Finally, phone usage is very widespread among pedestrians (90% look at their phones while walking). Of course, it is not prohibited, but it is not without danger either, at least in certain situations. “28% make a call or listen to music while crossing, which reduces their vigilance towards other road users”, laments Axa in its barometer.
“A good practice emerging for phone use while driving is: 89% of passengers respond when a loved one is using their phone while driving”, explained Eric Lemaire, President of the AXA Prevention association. “We all have a role to play in fighting this terrible scourge, which has gradually surpassed the problem of excessive alcohol consumption.”
Read also: Flowell: luminous markings to ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety
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