RAC creates Safer Driver app to reduce deadly phone use by drivers behind the wheel

A West Australian-made mobile phone app could soon reduce the number of drivers carrying out a deadly habit on the State’s road network.

The RAC has created its Safer Driver app, designed to detect when motorists used their phones while behind the while.

A recent trial of the app, involving 800 WA drivers, reduced phone usage by 60 per cent.

Thirty people were killed, and another 61 seriously injured, on WA’s roads because of driver inattention last year, according to RAC spokesman Will Golsby.

“The app technology recorded when participants touched their phones while driving, with the vast majority who received coaching reducing this dangerous habit. Half reduced their distraction by at least 60 per cent,” Mr Golsby said.

“Distracted driving is one of the more complex road safety challenges we face.”

“Exploring new ideas to encourage safer driving will help save lives and prevent serious injuries on our roads.”

Participant of the app’s trial received coaching and challenges before and after their trips – they were not sent any material or interaction by the app during any driving journey.

“We found 75 per cent of participants accepted at least one focused driving challenge, with more than 1,700 challenges accepted over the course of the trial,” Mr Golsby said.

“Sixty per cent of respondents to a post-trial survey said the app helped them understand the risks and form better habits, an encouraging sign safer behaviours will continue into the future.”

“The success of the trial clearly shows the significant role technology plays in road safety, and how one of the major causes of driver distraction, could also be part of the solution.”

Data science company Sentiance helped the RAC design the app.