Like an IV Drip: Drivers Can’t Let Go of Their Phones Even Behind the Wheel

Drivers, we need to talk. Not about speeding. Not about sirens. But about that little miracle of glass and circuitry that has become the car’s closest companion and, sadly, its biggest threat—the smartphone.

In May this year, the Estonian Transport Administration commissioned a traffic behaviour study, and the results deserve a place on every warning sign in the country: two-thirds of drivers use their phones while driving. And not the “once I called my mom” kind of use—14 percent admit they do it regularly. Yes, while the car is moving. Yes, with their own fingers.

Last year, the figure stood at 60 percent. Now it’s 65. A five-point jump that might seem minor until you realise it translates to hundreds of near-misses and more than a few real collisions.

What does this tell us? That campaigns, fines and YouTube PSAs aren’t cutting it. Until the phone learns to steer and brake by itself, many drivers just can’t seem to keep both hands on the wheel. One of them, after all, is busy scrolling Instagram.

Phone use while driving is most common among 25 to 49-year-olds, with the highest rates among those aged 35 to 49. The data also show that those who use their phones behind the wheel often have higher incomes, are more likely to be parents and, unsurprisingly, are more likely to be men than women.

Compared to last year, the share of drivers who’ve found themselves in traffic danger due to distractions has risen by 4 percent. Some 26 percent say they’ve experienced hazardous moments because of other tasks, with 7 percent linked directly to phone use.

There is some good news. Seatbelt use remains strong: 97 percent of drivers, 98 percent of front-seat passengers and 87 percent of backseat occupants buckle up regularly. Among parents, 96 percent report that their children under 15 are secured with either seatbelts or age-appropriate safety equipment.

Tyre safety is also getting more attention. Sixty-two percent of drivers keep an eye on tyre age, ensuring they don’t exceed five years. During winter, 60 percent used studded tyres and 37 percent went with all-season treads, a trend that has held steady in recent years.

The aim of the study was to map traffic attitudes and behaviour and compare them to previous years. Data were collected through online surveys and phone interviews, with 1,724 Estonian adults participating.