The ADAC has investigated the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving. The results are alarming! What has long since become a toy of modern life can all too easily turn into a game with one’s life. Whether this realisation – which anyone, even with a limited number of functioning brain cells, ought to be able to grasp using their own intelligence – will lead to a change in mindset is, unfortunately, highly questionable. Despite numerous campaigns and public awareness initiatives, efforts to raise awareness seem largely to have fallen on deaf ears. Anyone looking around at road users today – be they motorists, cyclists, pedestrians or even professional drivers (of all genders, of course!) – will find their hair standing on end from time to time. People are making calls whilst driving, reading and writing text messages; WhatsApp and the like apparently cannot wait to be checked. These days, mobile phone use is a constant companion for a great many people in all areas of life. I have long referred to smartphones and the like as the heartless pacemakers of modern-day Homo sapiens – and common sense falls by the wayside!
Mobile phone use whilst driving remains widespread
The use of mobile phones whilst driving remains a concern for many people. New figures from the ADAC, based on data from Germany, show that despite heavy fines, many drivers continue to use their smartphones at the wheel. Yet it must be clear to everyone that even a quick glance at the screen is enough to significantly reduce concentration. This increases the risk of an accident considerably.
High number of mobile phone offences
The ADAC monitored traffic in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Frankfurt am Main. A total of 9,573 vehicles were recorded. The results are alarming: 2.7 per cent of road users committed a mobile phone offence. Among car drivers, the figure stood at 2.8 per cent. Among cyclists, 1.4 per cent of offences were recorded.
Those involved were particularly often seen holding their smartphones in their hands. Traditional phone calls with the mobile phone held to the ear, by contrast, were observed much less frequently. Delivery van drivers stood out particularly frequently, at 3.3 per cent. Lorry and bus drivers were below this at 1.9 per cent. However, particularly in the case of the latter, it shows a lack of professionalism when they create such dangerous situations!
Mobile phone offences on the roads cost billions
During the 50-hour observation period, the ADAC recorded a total of 387 offences. Of these, 262 involved motor vehicles and 125 involved bicycles and e‑bikes. The extrapolated figure highlights the scale of the problem. According to this, there are around one billion mobile phone offences on the roads in Germany alone every year.
This figure is significantly higher than the number of offences officially recorded by the police. The number of unreported cases is therefore likely to be very high.
Many drivers use their smartphones whilst driving
A nationwide ADAC survey confirms the findings of the traffic observation study. More than half of motorists said they had used their mobile phones whilst driving. Other road users also regularly reach for their smartphones. The figures are as follows:
- 36 per cent of cyclists
- 31 per cent of e‑bike riders
- 29 per cent of e‑scooter users
- 14 per cent of motorcyclists, scooter riders and moped riders
Many respondents are aware of the risks. Nevertheless, some reported dangerous situations caused by smartphone use.
Mobile speed cameras are intended to improve road safety
The majority of the population supports stricter enforcement. According to a survey, 69 per cent are in favour of using mobile phone speed cameras. These cameras use artificial intelligence to detect the unauthorised use of smartphones. They then automatically record the offence.
In Germany, such systems are currently only in use in Rhineland-Palatinate. In the Netherlands, they are already in regular use. The aim is clear: to improve road safety through better monitoring of mobile phone offences.
The EU Responds with New Regulations
At the European level, the potential dangers of driver distraction have been recognized. As a result, starting July 7, 2026, all newly registered passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in the EU will be required to be equipped with an Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) system. A camera inside the vehicle continuously monitors the driver’s visual behavior. If signs of fatigue appear, or if the system detects that the driver’s gaze is directed toward a cell phone or other sources of distraction, it triggers an alarm in real time. The EU estimates that this could prevent 10 to 30 percent of accidents. Strictly speaking, however, it is concerning that behavior appropriate to the situation must be enforced through technical and legal measures when one would actually expect it to be a matter of common sense.
In Germany, it is estimated that around 300 people are killed in road accidents each year as a result of being distracted by their mobile phones. The number of people injured is far higher.
Why using a mobile phone whilst driving is so dangerous
Experts warn of the consequences of even brief distractions. If you look at your smartphone for just two seconds whilst driving at 50 km/h, you will have travelled almost 30 metres without looking where you’re going. During this time, you may fail to see pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles. That is why a few seconds of inattention can mean the difference between life and death.
In Switzerland, using a mobile phone whilst driving is strictly prohibited by law. Whether you’re texting or making a call – any distraction can prove costly, and the penalties are severe. The same applies to other forms of gross negligence, such as running a red light or driving under the influence of alcohol.
Mobile phones at the wheel: costs and consequences
Talking on a mobile phone whilst driving is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous and usually results in a fixed penalty of 100 Swiss francs.
Depending on the severity of the resulting accident, property damage, personal injury or criminal charges can be the bitter aftertaste. The total bill can quickly run into five figures.
Caught using a mobile phone at the wheel: heavy fines loom
If you are caught using a mobile phone while driving in Switzerland, you face substantial penalties. In addition to the fine, you can expect an entry on your criminal record, which can have significant consequences.
The severity of the penalty depends on various factors, such as the specific traffic situation and whether you have committed previous offences.
Goodbye driving licence: The consequences of repeated offences
In the event of repeated traffic offences, particularly if you are caught using a mobile phone at the wheel on multiple occasions, your driving licence may be revoked in Switzerland. The exact duration of the suspension depends on the severity of the offences and is determined by the relevant authority.
Insurance cover: What happens in the event of an accident?
An accident caused by using a mobile phone at the wheel? It’s like driving with your eyes closed – and hoping nothing happens. And your insurance company won’t be pleased either, as such behaviour constitutes gross negligence.
In such a case, your insurer will reduce or completely refuse to pay your claim. This can lead to high additional costs for you. It can also result in a deterioration of your no-claims bonus, which in turn leads to higher car insurance premiums.
