Two-thirds of Australian drivers at fault in crashes say distraction played a role and most motorists believe in-car technologies are a growing problem, research from Allianz shows.

About one-third of survey respondents admit texting while driving at least occasionally, according to the global study by the Allianz Centre for Technology.

The centre analysed more than 34,000 crash cases and held a global survey of drivers, including Australians.

One in five Australian drivers reported causing or partly causing a crash in the past three years.

Two-thirds of Australians want some vehicle functions accessible via physical controls rather than touch-screen, and 41% support restrictions on complex vehicle controls while in motion.

About 88% of Australian respondents believe drivers are primarily responsible for reducing distraction, and more than half support stronger penalties for distracted driving.

The Australian findings mirror wider research presented at the Allianz Motor Day that found distraction is involved in about one-third of road crashes in Germany.

Allianz says distraction may play a greater role in crashes than accident statistics have historically captured.

The insurer is now calling on car makers to design cabins around the reality of driving; regulators to measure and manage the risk of distracted driving; and drivers to keep their attention firmly on the road.

Allianz Australia chief claims officer Luke Whenman said: “While mobile phones continue to be a major source of distraction, many drivers are also telling us they’re concerned about the increasing complexity of in-vehicle technology and the attention it can demand.

“Technology should support safer driving, not compete for a driver’s attention. As vehicles become more digital, safety and usability must remain at the centre of vehicle design.”

Emerging risks manager Chris Wood added: “At just 50km/h, a vehicle travels almost 14 metres every second. Looking away from the road for three seconds to adjust a setting, enter a destination or search for a song means travelling more than 40 metres without fully watching the road ahead.”

See the report here.