Alarming study

Every fifth Tyrolean driver types while driving

This doesn't work in the long run: while you are reading or even writing messages, you are "flying blind".(Bild: Tomschi Peter)

Are Tyroleans just more honest than drivers elsewhere? According to a survey, they repeatedly take a high risk when using their smartphones at the wheel. Accident figures with distraction as the cause are a warning and Asfinag is launching a campaign.

Almost 60 percent of all drivers use their cell phones to make calls or read messages or even write them themselves. This is the result of an IFES survey commissioned by Asfinag. In some areas, Tyroleans take an even greater risk: On average, around 20 percent said they read messages while driving; in Tyrol, the figure is significantly higher at 28 percent.

Tyroleans confident in their own assessment
On average, one in seven stated that they make phone calls and even write messages or research the internet on their smartphone without a hands-free device. In Tyrol, one in five admitted this.

Even more surprising: 17 percent answered the question "I am skilled enough to drive and use my cell phone at the same time" with "yes" - in Tyrol, this figure is almost 25 percent!

Distraction: many accidents with a lot of suffering
The nationwide accident statistics show just how dangerous distraction is: in 2023, this was the cause of 569 accidents in which 119 people were seriously injured and twelve died. This was followed by a lack of safe distance (523 accidents with 49 serious injuries and one fatality) and inappropriate speed (439 with 62 serious injuries and twelve fatalities).

On average, there is a rest stop every nine kilometers.

Asfinag-Mahnung zum Stoppen bei Handy-Nutzung

Campaign launched on many channels
According to Asfinag, the solution for greater safety is simple: the experts point to 59 rest areas and 108 parking spaces in the 2,250-kilometre network. "On average, there is a rest area every nine kilometers." 

The "Park & Write" campaign is intended to draw attention to stops that should be made to read or write messages safely. Advertisements, radio spots, social media appeals and bridge banners are intended to raise awareness.