Driver distraction causes one-third of accidents

A study by Allianz, presented at the Allianz Motor Day 2026, found that driver distraction is responsible for one out of every three road accidents. The research, conducted by the Allianz Zentrum für Technik (AZT), analyzed more than 34,000 road accidents and concluded that driver distraction is involved in one out of every three accidents, either as a direct triggering factor or as a contributory cause. This places inattention among the top road safety risks and suggests that its real role is largely underestimated in official figures.

Modern car design increases distraction

The study highlights that modern car interiors often require drivers to use touchscreens for functions that were once accessible intuitively, such as adjusting the air conditioning or changing the radio station. These actions require drivers to look away from the road, with the time spent looking elsewhere varying up to 25% depending on the vehicle's design. According to Allianz, this variation underscores that distraction is not only a question of driver behavior but also of design.

Distracted drivers perform worse than drunk drivers

In simulated traffic scenarios using real eye-tracking data, distracted drivers performed worse than those with 0.8 g/l of alcohol in their blood. In emergency braking scenarios on the highway, the share of simulated collisions increased from 18.2% to 54.3% when drivers were distracted. When a child suddenly appeared on the road, the collision share increased from 3.9% to 11.2%. In 39% of these collisions involving a distracted driver, the latter did not react at all.

Majority of drivers want physical controls

In nine countries, two out of three drivers want the return of physical controls for essential functions. In France, 80% of drivers consider that on-board technologies have increased distraction in recent years. 38% say they have already experienced a critical situation related to a touchscreen, and 20% have experienced a critical situation related to using a phone while driving. Only 12% declared an accident in the last three years. To limit these risks, 53% of French drivers support increasing fines, and 38% support restricting the use of complex controls while driving. 66% of French drivers want buttons or physical controls for certain functions, with this percentage rising to 82% among those aged 18-25.

Allianz calls for safer car design

Allianz recommends that car manufacturers prioritize safety in the design of interfaces, ensuring that essential functions such as windshield wipers, turn signals, or lights remain quickly accessible. The organization notes that Euro NCAP already values vehicles that retain direct access to these functions and penalizes those that place them in complex menus. Public authorities are urged to better measure the role of distraction in each accident and adapt regulations accordingly. Allianz also recommends strengthened checks and technologies for detecting inattention.

Telematics can help but must avoid new risks

The study emphasizes the importance of on-board telematics as a prevention tool to help drivers adopt safer behaviors, but cautions that it should not create new risks. According to the research, 80% of the French surveyed believe that screens and touch interfaces can be a source of driver distraction, and 82% of young French people aged 18-25 want to access essential vehicle functions via buttons or physical controls.