The roads are becoming a dangerous place for everyone, especially with the rise of Gen Z drivers who are more likely to be distracted by their phones. The NRSW 2026 Australian Driving Behaviour Report has revealed a concerning trend, with 50% of Gen Z drivers admitting to taking photos or videos while driving, and 40% of Millennials confessing to the same. This is a significant increase from previous years, and it's not just about texting and snapping photos. The problem has evolved to include scrolling social media and watching YouTube videos while driving, with 92% of surveyed motorists agreeing that this habit is dangerous. The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that people's attention spans are shrinking, thanks to short-form content platforms like TikTok and Instagram, as well as high screen time. This means that drivers are more likely to reach for their phones once a notification pops up, with 30% of Gen Z drivers and 28% of Millennials checking their phone within minutes of receiving a notification while behind the wheel. The consequences of being caught using a phone while driving are severe, with fines ranging from $410 to more than $1,000, and drivers can also lose up to 10 demerit points, depending on the state. The problem is not just about the individual drivers, but also about the culture of distraction that has developed on the roads. As one Reddit user wrote, 'These are the people we share the road with, and it’s scary as f***.' The situation is so dire that Olympian Ariarne Titmus recently shared a disturbing video of her Uber driver watching Instagram reels on his phone while still driving the car. The national road safety week founder, Peter Frazer OAM, said that awareness campaigns alone were failing to change behavior among younger motorists. He emphasized that self-regulation is not enough, and that people need to actively protect everyone on the road ahead. This is a choice that we can all make, because everyone has a right to get home safe, every day, with no exceptions.
