16% of drivers in Brussels watch videos on their phone while driving

Some 7% of Belgian drivers admit to watching videos on their phones at least once a month while driving, a survey of 6,000 people conducted by the Vias Institute has revealed.

And in Brussels, the problem is even worse, with a worrying 16% of drivers saying they watch videos while driving.

“We notice that the percentage of Belgians who take pictures or film themselves while driving is the same as those who watch videos,” said Vias spokesperson Benoit Godart.

“The rate even climbs to 8% for people who organise meetings by videoconference while driving.”

Although using a smartphone while driving can incur a fine, their use is not completely prohibited provided that the phone is being used in a device specifically installed for this purpose.

“This is a relatively new and concerning phenomenon, as people tend to think of their car as an extension of their living room,” Godart said.

“On the roads you need constant attention with the increase in density on the road network and the ever-increasing number of users.”