Gonvarri Industries presents the Emotional Driving Study 2024: ‘Spaniards at the wheel, distractions and mobile phone use’

• 62.5% % of drivers say they get distracted while driving.
• Mobile phones are the leading cause of distraction at the wheel, followed by fatigue.
• Drivers who are most distracted at the wheel tend to have 6 to 15 years’ driving experience, drive more than 10,000 kilometres a year and generally drive alone.
• Reading news and texting or using WhatsApp while driving are considered the most risky or dangerous mobile phone uses at the wheel, according to the surveyed Spaniards.
• 2.6  seconds is the average time drivers believe they can be on the phone without losing attention on the road and being in danger, rising to 4.4 seconds for young people aged 18 to 24.
• 84.7% of drivers believe that deaths or serious injuries would be reduced if there were adequate investment in safety barriers.

Madrid, December 16, 2024 – Gonvarri Industries, a leading group in the transformation of flat steel, aluminum, and metal solutions, has published its new Emotional Driving Study 2024 titled “Spaniards behind the wheel, distractions and mobile phone use.” The study aims to raise awareness about the importance of road safety and analyze the main factors causing distractions while driving, while also promoting positive motivation for responsible driving.

The report, carried out by Más Métrica, was conducted with a sample of 2,002 individuals aged between 18 and 75, selected intentionally and proportionally according to data from the Spanish Traffic Department (DGT). The participants represent different groups by gender, age, and Autonomous Communities in a balanced way, thus ensuring the validity and representativeness of the results.

The study reveals that 62.5% of Spanish drivers admit to being distracted while driving, with the mobile phone being the main cause of distraction, followed by fatigue. This behavior is most frequently observed among drivers with 6 to 15 years of driving experience, who travel more than 10,000 kilometers annually and mostly drive alone. Additionally, mobile phone use is especially widespread among younger drivers, aged 18 to 24, who believe they can use the phone for 4.4 seconds without compromising their attention on the road, compared to the general average of 2.6 seconds.

The report also indicates that the mobile phone activities considered most dangerous by the surveyed drivers include reading news and texting or using WhatsApp. These actions, along with recording videos or searching for information while driving, are especially common among those under 34 years old with less than 15 years of driving experience. However, the problem is not limited to this group: 27.4% of Spanish drivers admit to regularly using their mobile phones while driving, regardless of their age.

The perception of risk associated with these distractions varies significantly according to the driver’s profile. For example, those over 55 years old reduce the time they consider safe to use the mobile phone to 2.1 seconds. Additionally, drivers with higher family incomes, between 3,000 and 4,000 euros per month, and those who travel more than 10,000 kilometers per year, tend to report higher levels of distraction.

Investment in Safety

Regarding road infrastructure, 88.8% of drivers believe that greater investment in lighting at critical points could reduce deaths and serious injuries. Additionally, 84.7% think that adequate safety barriers would also significantly contribute to reducing fatalities in traffic accidents. The implementation of a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving is supported by 73.9% of respondents, reinforcing the need for stricter measures to promote safe driving.

Motivations for Safer Driving

The study not only analyzes distractions at the wheel but also explores the motivations that lead drivers to adopt responsible driving. Those over 55 years old highlight personal safety as their main reason, followed by the responsibility they feel when transporting passengers. On the other hand, men identify the risk of fines as a key factor in avoiding dangerous behaviors on the road. Additionally, more experienced drivers tend to be more cautious, especially when traveling with companions.

Technology and education are also identified as essential elements for promoting safer driving habits. More than 85% of respondents believe that technological tools capable of blocking mobile phone use while driving would be highly effective in reducing accidents. However, only 22.6% of drivers have received road safety training after obtaining their driving license. This highlights the need for more impactful educational campaigns. According to the study, strategies based on real cases or emotional messages from children to parents could be particularly effective, as supported by 83% of respondents.

About Gonvarri and Emotional Driving

With over 60 years of experience, Gonvarri Industries is a leading group in the transformation of flat steel, aluminum, and metal solutions. With a presence in 59 factories across 21 countries, the company closed the year 2023 with a turnover exceeding 6 billion euros and a workforce of more than 8,000 employees. For the past 10 years, the Emotional Driving Program has positively impacted thousands of drivers in six countries through collaborations with over 100 schools and programs aimed at young people, transporters, and people with disabilities.

For more information, visit www.gonvarri.com y www.emotionaldriving.com.