Driving to the point of distraction

MOTORISTS in Clare have been labelled “the worst in the country” after two-thirds admitted crashing because they were either texting, emailing or applying make-up at the wheel.
The latest study into the nation’s driving habits also revealed that drivers in the Banner County get involved in traffic accidents because they eat full meals as they drive, change CDs and use mobile phones without a hands-free kit.
Only a third of Clare drivers interviewed in the survey, commissioned by Setanta Insurance, said they had never crashed because of such distractions.
However, Inspector John Galvin, head of the road traffic division in Clare, has jumped to the defence of Clare motorists.
“One thing I can say is that motorists in County Clare do appear to be getting the message and are more compliant as regards speeding, use of mobile phones and other offences. I have to point out that fatalities on Clare roads reduced last year in line with the national trend and those statistics stand for themselves,” he told The Clare Champion.
Mike Matthews, CEO and founder of Setanta Insurance who polled 2,000 drivers nationwide, said, “I am shocked that people think they can drive and either email or do their make-up at the same time; it’s craziness. Many drivers seem to forget that we need all our attention to be on the road to prevent accidents.
“This is not rocket science, it is basic common sense. Driving needs your 100% concentration and many motorists, especially younger drivers, seem to have forgotten this simple fact,” he declared.
Recently, another survey revealed that motorists in County Clare were the country’s most dishonest. Nearly three quarters surveyed admitted lying to get cheaper car insurance and the same number (70%) considered it acceptable to give false information when making an insurance claim.
The biggest cheats ranged from lying about marital status, to where the vehicle is kept and how long drivers have held a license.