The World Health Organization[i] warned as far back as 2011 that distracted driving was a “serious and growing threat to road safety”, noting that rising mobile phone ownership was likely to escalate the problem.
Fast forward 15 years and, while mobile phone ownership has indeed increased, it is only part of a progressively more complex distraction landscape. From real-time navigation apps and hands-free calls to voice-activated AI assistants, streaming services, and connected infotainment systems, modern vehicles offer unprecedented convenience. Yet each notification, voice prompt or moment of divided attention can pull focus away from the road.
Sherry Sibeko, Executive Head of Personal Lines at Miway Insurance, warns that even a few seconds of inattention can have significant consequences. “We see time and time again how taking your eyes off the road can quickly lead to an accident, placing both you and other road users at risk.”
These distractions, Sibeko notes, are by no means limited to mobile phones. Driving distractions generally fall into three categories[ii]: visual, manual and cognitive. “But the greatest risk occurs when these distractions overlap. Looking away from the road, taking your hands off the steering wheel and shifting your mental focus away from driving, even briefly, can significantly increase the likelihood of an accident.”
Cellphone use, however, remains one of the most common driving distractions. As Sibeko points out, the South African National Road Traffic Act[iii] prohibits the use of hand-held communication devices – including cellphones – while driving. “It is illegal to drive a vehicle while holding a phone in your hand or with any other part of your body – regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or not”, she says. If caught, one could face a R500-R1 000 spot fine, depending on the metro. In metros with a confiscation law, your phone may be confiscated for 24 hours with a release fee of up to R5 000 to get it back[iv].
While each insurance claim is assessed on its own merits and according to the terms of the relevant policy.
Fortunately, reducing distractions often comes down to a few simple habits. Before hitting the road, Sibeko encourages drivers to pre-programme navigation systems, select their playlists and ensure that any necessary calls are made. She adds that mobile devices should be placed out of reach or connected through approved hands-free systems where appropriate. Drivers should also avoid eating, grooming or attempting to multitask while behind the wheel.
“It helps to create an environment where your primary focus remains on the road,” says Sibeko. “We all lead busy lives, where multi-tasking has become the norm, but many distractions are entirely preventable with a little planning before you set off.”
She also recommends taking regular breaks on long road journeys, particularly when fatigue begins to affect concentration, as this can also lead to accidents.
“Technology will continue to evolve and play an important role in making our lives easier. The challenge for drivers is using that technology responsibly. The safest and most cost-effective journey is always the one where your attention remains exactly where it should be: on the road ahead.”
[i] Mobile phone use: a growing problem of driver distraction
[ii] Understanding the 3 Categories of Distractions While Driving
[iii] Road Legislation and using your phone when driving
[iv] Texting and Driving in South Africa: Fines (2026) – Trafico