Canberra: Auditory and behavioural distractions such as taking phone calls or eating while driving may impair performance more than visual distractions, according to a study by researchers at the University of Canberra.

The researchers said about 16 per cent of major road accidents in Australia involve distracted driving, where attention shifts from driving to secondary activities such as using a mobile phone or consuming food.

In a simulator-based study involving 103 drivers aged 16 to 82 in the Australian Capital Territory, participants were exposed to four distraction types — auditory (phone calls), visual (locating a key), cognitive (conversation) and behavioural (moving a cup). Driving performance was measured using road deviation.

The findings showed driving worsened more during auditory and behavioural distractions than during visual and cognitive ones. Unexpected sounds, such as a ringing phone or music, may leave drivers less prepared to respond safely.

The study adds to previous research highlighting that mobile phone use and other in-vehicle distractions significantly increase crash risk.