AAMI will launch a national road safety initiative following a study showing nearly 90% of motorists admit having driven while distracted.

The Suncorp brand’s driving test will let customers improve by using telemetric data to measure their behaviour on the road.  

The test, available through the AAMI app, assesses speed, hard braking, cornering, acceleration and phone use to identify areas for improvement.  

Drivers who demonstrate safe driving practices and sign up for AAMI’s rewards program are offered the chance to share in more than $90,000 in prizes.  

AAMI says its survey showed 38% of motorists have been in an accident or had a near-miss due to distracted driving.  

Causes of distraction include eating or drinking (65% of respondents), adjusting the radio or selecting music (60%) and observing other drivers, pedestrians, crashes or breakdowns (40).

One in four drivers reported being distracted by their phones or smartwatches.  

About 25% would not change their driving behaviour unless they experienced consequences such as an accident involving them or someone they knew.

AAMI motor prevention manager Mary Kennedy says the figures stem from people “believing we are safer drivers when compared to others”.  

“Australian drivers view their own behaviours behind the wheel through rose-tinted glasses,” she said. “They are more likely to blame bad behaviours on other drivers than own up to them.”  

Australian Road Safety Foundation CEO Russell White says distraction is a significant factor in serious crashes, akin to tiredness and speeding.  

“Anything that pulls your attention off the road, even for two seconds, can change everything,” he said. “Whether it’s a buzzing phone, adjusting the radio or simply daydreaming, all distractions divert attention from the task of driving and compromise reaction times and decision-making.”