Some 14% of Austrian drivers admit to using their mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device, a survey published on Friday reveals.

The survey, conducted by the Institute for Empirical Social Research among over 800 drivers, indicates that the prevalence of this dangerous habit is even higher in Vienna, where one in six drivers confesses to using their phone while driving, often to send messages such as emails or WhatsApp. Tirol shows the highest ratio, with one in five drivers admitting to the practice.

The motorway company Asfinag, which is responsible for maintaining Austrian autobahns and collecting tolls, issued a statement on Friday highlighting the dangers of such distractions. In 2023 alone, there were 569 accidents, resulting in 119 injuries and twelve fatalities due to distractions.

Overall, nearly 60% of those surveyed admitted to using their phone while driving in some capacity, with the figure soaring to 80% among drivers under 30. Alarmingly, 17% of all participants believe they possess the skill to drive safely while using their phone.

The survey also uncovered an overconfidence among Austrian drivers, with four out of five people believing they drive better than others. This sentiment is most pronounced among Viennese drivers, with 88% affirming this belief, followed closely by drivers in Lower Austria (87%) and Styria (85%).

This data underscores the critical need for increased awareness and enforcement of road safety regulations to mitigate the risks posed by mobile phone usage while driving.