Due to Covid-19, meetings via Zoom, Google or Teams quickly became established among many employees and employers in Flanders. Recently, the media reported that it sometimes happens that meetings are followed from the car. “I think everyone realizes that following a digital meeting behind the wheel is absolutely not desirable, any form of distraction can lead to dangerous traffic situations”, says Flemish Minister of Mobility Lydia Peeters during the Mobility Commission in the Flemish Parliament. 

"For example, mobile phone use behind the wheel is one of the causes of the increasing number of road deaths in the 18-24 age group. In Flanders we have therefore been conducting awareness campaigns for several years about the dangers of distraction under the title “automodus”. This represents the conscious choice of the car driver to avoid distraction in traffic."

A smartphone or mobile phone is not the only means that can distract a driver. The use of touchscreens, smartwatches, even eating, drinking or smoking while performing the driving task creates distraction.

“When and during the use of audio accessories, there is mainly auditory and cognitive distraction. However, it is important to have and keep your full attention on traffic while driving a vehicle.”

Through the recently approved Security Plan, Minister Peeters is committed to increasing the Awareness on the various forms of distraction in traffic through specific awareness campaigns. 

“A driver of a vehicle can enter “car mode” by putting the smartphone out of reach, by turning on the “do not disturb” function or by turning the device to silent. The post-campaign measurement showed that 68% of the respondents are already familiar with the concept of "car mode", also in terms of behavioral change we see an increase from 28 to 35%"

She emphasizes that the dangers of distraction have now also become established in driver training. During the practical part of the return moment, drivers actively experience the dangers of distraction in traffic.

Minister Peeters will take this problem and in particular the way in which enforcement can be enforced to the States General for road safety, which will be organized on 23 November. Distraction will also be an important point of attention here. 

Also read: Car seats that grow with you, lag behind in quality

meeting in the car is not okay!
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