Mobile Phone Distraction National Day of Action Wednesday 25th June

Mobile Phone Distraction
National Day of Action Wednesday 25th June
“Be the difference, A Split Second is all it takes”

As part of National Life Saver Week, South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is happy to
support our colleagues in An Garda Síochana (AGS) on National Day of Action for
Mobile Phone Distraction, which takes place today, Wednesday 25th June 2025. This
campaign focuses on that ‘Split Second’ when you can change your own or someone
else’s life, forever.

Did you know that if you use your mobile phone while driving, you are taking your Mind
off the road, your Eyes of the road and your Hands off the wheel! AND, you are 4 times
more likely to have a collision if you use your mobile phone when driving!
South Dublin County Council Road Safety Officer Orlaith Maguire says that
“‘Momentary Blindness is real. In that ‘split second’ that you choose to look at your
mobile phone when driving, the road ahead can change. Your reactions will be too slow
to adapt to the changing situation, leading to life changing implications for both you and
other road users”.

Ms Maguire goes on to note that in an Observational Survey carried out by the RSA in
2023, and conducted at 145 locations nationwide in September and October 2023, it
revealed that 9% of drivers were observed using mobile devices, which was up 6% on
the previous year. Similarly, in a Driver attitude and behaviour survey carried out in
2021, it showed that 23% of drivers use their mobile phone at least sometimes while
driving to check phone notifications.

SDCC and AGS are asking you to make using your mobile phone while driving a socially
unacceptable behaviour and reminds motorists that you are not only putting yourself
in danger, but you are also endangering the lives of others on our roads, including
passengers that may be travelling with you in your car. In a lot of cases these are your
children.
So please be the difference, lead by example, and put your phone away until your
journey is complete. Remember A Split Second is all it takes …