The general public believe that video calls during our workdays have a negative impact on a driver’s ability to operate a car safely, new polling from the Major Trauma Group has found.
77 percent of British adults surveyed agreed that their driving ability and ability to concentrate whilst operating a motor vehicle is negatively impacted after a day of video calls, with 54 percent strongly agreeing. This comes after a year of increased video calls and meetings that has left drivers feeling tired and distracted.
‘Zoom zombie’ hotspots in the UK where drivers are most likely to strongly or somewhat agree that they are negatively impacted after a day of video conference calls are Plymouth (89 percent), Sheffield (88 percent) and Southampton and Norwich (both 86 percent).
People who strongly agree that video conference calls have a negative impact on their ability to drive increases with age, with 69 percent of adults aged 55 or over strongly agreeing that they are distracted behind the wheel after a day of video calls. There is no difference of opinion when it comes to gender, with men and women just as likely to agree that they feel their driving is negatively impacted by video calls.
Over the last year, Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams have hosted hundreds of millions of daily users and meetings each day. Even as many offices reopen, the likelihood of blended working remains high with video calls now being an integral way to keep teams connected. The Major Trauma Group is calling for more awareness around the implications for road safety as we adopt new working patterns.
Trevor Sterling, Chair of the Major Trauma Group said:
“As we start to reassess the ways we live and work after the pandemic, we must be aware of the potential hazards faced for those commuting on the roads after long days in front of screens and how we can adapt to prioritise safety.
“There is no denying the advances that technology has made over the last year and the impact this has had on our daily lives, but it is now vital that we adapt our behaviours accordingly to prevent dangerous driving or serious accidents.”
How can Major Trauma Group help?
Major Trauma Group is a network of specialist serious injury law firms, experienced in dealing with claims following major trauma. We assist clients throughout England and Wales in getting compensation to support their recovery. Our emphasis on early rehabilitation is supported by a medical clinician with rehabilitation expertise, as well as highly experienced independent financial advisers and case managers; all working with you to support your claim.
If you would like a free no-obligation chat with one of our members, please email hello@majortraumagroup.co.uk or call us on 0330 311 2578
