Phone Distraction: The newest Sense driver rating factor

We’re here to give you the data you need to help you stay safe on the road. Simple as that. We’re taking another step in that direction by adding Phone Distraction as a new factor in your Sense driver rating.

Using a phone behind the wheel is a 'fatal four' risk, but we know the world has changed. You use yours for work, navigation, and everything in between. So, we haven’t built a blunt ‘on/off’ switch that penalises every screen touch. Instead, we’re rewarding drivers who keep their focus where it belongs – on the road.

Why ‘Phone Distraction’ matters?

There are two main reasons why using your phone behind the wheel is a massive risk to everyone on the road. The stats are pretty sobering:

Reaction times drop: Distracted drivers can be 50% slower to react. To put that into perspective, it’s a worse impairment than alcohol or drugs.

Crash risk spikes: Interacting with a phone makes an accident twice as likely, with impact speeds typically 20–30% higher.

What do we measure?

We detect distraction by monitoring phone handling and screen interaction while your vehicle is moving. Specifically, we look at:

• Phone pickup: When you physically pick up or hold your phone while driving at speed.
• Screen-on time: How long your phone screen is active while the vehicle is moving and the phone is in your hand.

The 'safe' vs the 'risky'

Our distraction rating doesn't penalise you just for having your phone unlocked – we know you need it for things like mounted navigation. Instead, it focuses on when you're actually picking up or interacting with your phone while the wheels are turning.

This means:

✅ Safe: Phone secure, navigation running, and no handling while the vehicle is moving.

🚫 Risky: Frequently picking up your phone, unlocked screen, and active handling while the vehicle is moving.

Tips to reduce distraction while driving

Before you drive:

• Make sure your phone is secure in a phone holder, storage tray or a centre console
• Turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ or ‘Driving Mode’
• Set up your navigation app before you start your journey
• Queue your music or podcasts in advance

During your trip:

• Keep your phone secure at all times – picking it up will negatively impact your driver rating.
• If you must check your phone, pull over safely first
• Remember: even a quick glance can have serious consequences

What's next?

You will be able to see your new distractions rating in the app insights tab in the coming weeks.

And, don't worry, your driver rating will still reflect an average of your recent trips, so it won't be affected by one or two incidents. It's all about how well you drive over time.