Almost every Australian driver knows mobile phone use behind the wheel is dangerous, yet many younger motorists are still checking notifications, reading texts and taking photos while driving.
New research has highlighted a clear gap between what drivers believe and how they behave on the road.
The NRSW 2026 Australian Driving Behaviour Report found 92% of Australian drivers agree mobile phone use while driving is dangerous. Despite this, almost one-third of Gen Z drivers and 28% of Millennials said they check notifications within minutes of receiving them while driving.
The behaviour is even more pronounced at intersections. Almost two-thirds of Gen Z drivers and more than half of Millennials admitted to reading texts at red lights. Half of Gen Z drivers and 40% of Millennials also said they had taken photos or videos while behind the wheel.
National Road Safety Week runs from 17 to 24 May 2026, with this year’s campaign placing a strong focus on distraction.
Peter Frazer OAM, Founder of National Road Safety Week, said the findings show that awareness of the risk is not translating into safer behaviour.
“This research shows that awareness campaigns alone aren’t working for younger drivers,” Frazer said. “They believe phone use is dangerous, but they continue to do it. Self-regulation is clearly not enough. And people agree.
“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. Distraction costs lives, and our only job at the wheel is to actively protect everyone on the road ahead. That is a choice we can all make, because everyone has a right to get home safe, every day, with no exceptions.”
Support grows for tougher phone rules
The report found more than one-third of Australians would support banning phones from cars while driving.
Support was higher among younger age groups, with 45% of Gen Z, 43% of Millennials and 43% of Gen X agreeing with the idea.
The state-by-state results also showed some variation in phone-checking behaviour. Victorian drivers were most likely to check their phones within a few minutes of receiving a notification, followed by New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia.
Distraction is not just about phones
While mobile phone use remains a major concern, the report also found other distractions are common behind the wheel.
Nationally, eating a meal was identified as the top distraction by 35% of drivers. This was more than double the rate of mobile phone use, which was identified by 14% of respondents, and arguing with a passenger, nominated by 13%.
South Australia recorded the highest share of drivers nominating phone use as their top distraction. Victoria led the country for heated arguments while driving. In New South Wales, singing or dancing to music was the leading distraction, while in Queensland, watching something on a screen was the top issue.
The report also highlighted driver overconfidence. New South Wales drivers were the most likely to rate themselves as better than average, followed by Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia.
Victoria also recorded the highest level of driver frustration, with 29% of drivers saying they are often or sometimes frustrated behind the wheel.
Landmarks to turn yellow
During National Road Safety Week, landmarks, bridges and roads across Australia will be lit in yellow to remember people killed on the roads.
Government agencies, emergency services, not-for-profit organisations and commercial partners will also run education and community activities focused on improving road safety.
Australians are being encouraged to take part in local events, support the campaign on social media and make an online pledge to drive safely so others survive.
For Fleet Managers and organisations operating vehicles, the message is a timely reminder that driver distraction is not just a personal behaviour issue. It is a workplace safety risk that should be addressed through policy, training, monitoring and leadership.
Phone use, fatigue, frustration and distraction can all increase risk on the road. National Road Safety Week provides an opportunity for organisations to reinforce safe driving expectations and remind drivers that every trip is part of the workplace.
