Survey: Nearly 80% of Finns use a mobile phone while driving

According to a survey commissioned by Pohjola Insurance, not all drivers talking on the phone while driving as mobile device usage. Young drivers in particular use their phone while driving.

Making and answering phone calls, and the use of a navigator are the most common ways of mobile use in traffic, according to a survey commissioned by Pohjola Insurance. These mobile phone features are being used more often by regular drivers. Among those who rarely drive a car, there is a relatively large group of people who never use their mobile phone while driving.

The mobile behaviour of 18–24-year-olds stood out from the respondent group. Out of this specific group, 40% stated that they browse for or adjust music while driving, while 11% of the 45–54-year-old respondents, for example, do this. In addition, 5% of the youngest respondents stated that they take pictures or film videos while driving. The younger a respondent was, the more common it was to use a navigator, too.

Gender does not seem to be a significant factor in the survey. Although 65–74-year-olds were the least likely to use a mobile device while driving, approximately half of them answer calls while driving.

- This is not an insignificant phenomenon. For example, many people do not regard talking on the phone as a risk in traffic, although that, too, disturbs concentration – whether or not hands-free technology is used. In addition, ten percent of the respondents reported dangerous situations caused by mobile use, most typically drifting off the road and, at worst, a rear-end collision, explains Olli Lehtilä, Executive Vice President, Insurance Customers, OP Financial Group.

Young people using their mobile phones while driving is especially worrisome. According to Pohjola Insurance claims statistics, under 25-year-olds have an approximately fivefold traffic accident risk compared to other age groups.

- With little driving skills and little experience of traffic, it is especially important to be alert and to concentrate on driving the car, Lehtilä adds.

Crossroads and traffic lights cause temptation

Drivers usually reach for their mobile devices when stopping at crossroads and traffic lights. Up to 37% of 18–24-year-olds use their mobile devices most often at crossroads. The same can be said for many of those who drive regularly.

- Crossroads can be risky and demand special attention from drivers. Whilst on the road, it is important to focus solely on driving. Navigators are obviously a huge help when trying to reach a destination, but worryingly every tenth respondent also e.g. reads and writes messages while driving, Lehtilä says.

Further information and requests for interviews:
OP Communications, tel. +358 50 5239904

Pohjola Insurance is Finland’s leading non-life insurer with a total of 2.5 million private and corporate customers.  It provides an extensive range of non-life insurance services to private, corporate and institutional clients. Pohjola Insurance is part of OP Financial Group which is Finland's largest financial services group.

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