New research from the RAC has revealed that common, everyday distractions are behind most admitted driving mistakes.

Talking to passengers and daydreaming are responsible for more driving errors than obvious dangers such as using a phone or applying makeup.

According to the study, 63% of drivers admitted to making mistakes due to distractions—both external and internal—while behind the wheel, with talking to passengers being the most frequent cause.

Social trips

Of those surveyed, 43% said they had made errors while talking to passengers, with mistakes ranging from missing a junction to exceeding the speed limit, and even nearly colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians.

A further 37% admitted that their minds wandering—daydreaming or thinking about something other than driving—was the cause of their mistakes.

Interestingly, the study uncovered a disconnect between how drivers perceive distractions and the reality of their impact on driving.

While nearly half (46%) of drivers cited talking on the phone as the most distracting activity, only 8% said that phone conversations actually led them to make mistakes.

Similarly, 42% of drivers thought applying makeup or shaving while driving could cause a crash, but just 2% admitted to making errors because of these activities.

Outside inside

The RAC’s research found that distractions caused by external factors, such as looking at something outside the car, also led to a significant number of mistakes.

About 33% of drivers said they had made errors due to looking outside the vehicle, despite only 24% considering this a potential distraction.

Modern in-car technology, such as touchscreen systems, also contributed to driving errors.

Around 26% of drivers admitted to making mistakes while interacting with these systems, and this proportion matches the number of drivers who consider them a distraction.

However, fewer drivers—just 21%—admitted to making mistakes when adjusting car controls using traditional knobs and buttons, despite 15% believing this type of action could cause a distraction.

Inexperience and naivety

The survey also highlighted that young drivers are particularly susceptible to distractions.

Among those under 25, 23% admitted to making mistakes while using a handheld phone, which is illegal while driving.

This is a cause for concern, as over half of drivers in this age group (55%) reported making or receiving calls behind the wheel.

Eating and drinking while driving also led to mistakes for 18% of young drivers, far higher than the 8% of all drivers who admitted to similar errors.

Government data reinforces the dangers posed by in-car distractions.

In 2023, 940 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes involving drivers distracted by something inside the vehicle.

In contrast, 280 fatalities and serious injuries occurred due to distractions from external factors.

Staying alert

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis says: “Distractions like talking to passengers or daydreaming are so common that many drivers don’t even consider them dangerous. But our research shows they are the main culprits behind everyday driving errors, such as missing a turning or exceeding the speed limit. These distractions can have catastrophic consequences, especially when drivers fail to react quickly enough in critical situations.”

Dennis added, “It’s easy for our minds to wander while driving, particularly on long journeys. But driving is a mentally demanding task, and even seemingly harmless distractions can significantly impact safety. Drivers need to stay alert and minimise distractions to protect themselves and others on the road.”

The research serves as a timely reminder that road safety isn’t just about avoiding obvious dangers like speeding or using a phone—it’s about staying mentally engaged and recognising that even the most ordinary activities can lead to dangerous mistakes behind the wheel.