A landmark research project has found Australian drivers are distracted behind the wheel 45 per cent of the time.

Researchers filmed 349 drivers for four months and found only five per cent did nothing but actually concentrate.

The results have shocked researchers who specialise in driver distraction, which is the cause of about 16 per cent of serious crashes.

University of New South Wales Director of Transport and Road Safety Professor Ann Williamson tells John Stanley on average, people take their eyes off the road every 96 seconds.

“If you’re talking hands-free you can do that without taking your eyes off the road.

“Whereas if you’re doing things like adjusting your video screen and typing in a telephone number on a touchscreen, you have to look away from the road.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview