Northern Beaches Safest Driver announced

Around 800 drivers competed to be the safest driver on the Northern Beaches during October using the free UbiCar app. Amazing results have been uncovered from the app’s partnership with the Northern Beaches council, including a notorious stretch of road where motorists are most distracted by their phones.

UbiCar Co-Founder Carolyn Batterton said most people were guilty of phone distraction despite saying they wouldn’t be.

“Only twenty-two percent of competitors felt they used their phone while driving yet in reality two thirds of drivers did.

“Warringah Road heading east from Alfred Street to Pittwater Road in Dee Why recorded the highest number of motorists distracted by their phones while driving. Shockingly school drop off and pick up is peak time for drivers to be distracted by their phones while driving compared to any other part of the day.”

The free UbiCar app uses patented telematics technology to automatically measure phone distraction, speeding, acceleration, braking and cornering.

Bilgola Plateau mother of two, Cerian Brondum has been crowned Northern Beaches Safest Driver, winning $2000 in prize money. She said it made her more focused on the road, but also started family conversations about road safety.

“My 13 and 11 year old children know the road rules better than most drivers as this competition triggered their interest in road safety and seeing my name on the leader board led to lots of squeals of excitement. Not only is it interesting to find out if you are as good a driver as you think you are but it brings out a competitive streak I didn’t even know I had and a lot of family fun.”

Northern Beaches Council is the first in Australia to encourage locals to compete to be the safest driver and believes other councils should do the same.

“The Northern Beaches Safest Driver competition has been a huge success with over 800 enthusiastic locals taking up the challenge to test their driving skills. We’ve seen dads versus daughters, husbands versus wives as well as friends and colleagues competing for the best driving score and be crowned Northern Beaches Safest Driver”, said Mayor Regan.

 “I’m so pleased Northern Beaches Council is able to lead the way and be the first local government to take part in this fantastic concept.”

Winners of Northern Beaches Safest Driver Competition are:

1st        Cerian Brondum, Bilgola Plateau $2000 in prize money

2nd       Scott Martin, Freshwater $1000 in prize money

3rd        Nuala Quigley, Warriewood $700 in prize money