National Road Safety Week officially began yesterday, with new research highlighting the growing challenge distracted driving continues to pose on Australian roads.
The 2026 National Driving Behaviour Report found that while 92 per cent of Australian motorists believe mobile phone use while driving is dangerous, many continue engaging in risky behaviour behind the wheel.
According to the survey, almost one-third of Gen Z drivers and 28 per cent of Millennials admit checking phone notifications within minutes of receiving them while driving.
The findings become even more concerning at traffic lights, where almost two-thirds of Gen Z drivers and more than half of Millennial motorists admit reading text messages while stopped at red lights. Half of Gen Z respondents also admitted taking photos or videos while driving.
Victorian drivers were identified as the most likely in Australia to check their phones shortly after receiving notifications while behind the wheel, ahead of New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia.
The report also found growing support for stronger restrictions on mobile phone use in vehicles, with 39 per cent of Australians supporting a ban on phones while driving. Support was even higher among younger generations, including 45 per cent of Gen Z drivers.
National Road Safety Week founder Peter Frazer said the research demonstrated that awareness alone was no longer enough to change driver behaviour.
“This research shows that awareness campaigns alone aren’t working for younger drivers,” Frazer said.
“For National Road Safety Week 2026, we are focusing on distraction. We are asking all drivers to choose to put down their phones, clear their minds, and give the road the full attention it demands.”
The report also revealed other common distractions behind the wheel, including eating meals, arguing with passengers and watching content on screens. Victorians were also identified as Australia’s angriest drivers, with 29 per cent admitting they often or sometimes become frustrated while driving.
National Road Safety Week runs until May 24, with landmarks across Australia being illuminated in yellow to remember lives lost on the roads and promote safer driving behaviour.
Click here for more information about National Road Safety Week.