Queensland’s peak motoring organisation has launched a community service campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of driver distraction.

RACQ spokesperson Joe Fitzgerald said research indicated using a mobile phone when driving delayed reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol limit of 0.08 percent -- well over the legal limit.

“Drink driving is rightfully regarded by almost all motorists as unacceptable and dangerous behaviour, yet talking on the phone is still a common practice,” he said.

“The fact is that mobile phone use reduces reaction time by 35 percent, effectively making you a drunk driver, even when using a hands-free kit.

“And texting while driving is even worse with every second spent texting doubling your chances of crashing, dramatically reducing steering control and awareness of hazards.”

Mr Fitzgerald said texting or talking on the phone when driving was revealed to be the number one pet peeve of Queensland motorists in a recent RACQ survey.

“Eighty-eight percent of RACQ members believe driver distraction is an increasing problem on Queensland roads,” he said.

“Driver inattention contributes to about a third of all crashes in Queensland, so it’s critical for motorists to become more aware of the risks.”

RACQ’s community service announcement on the dangers of driver distraction has been distributed to radio stations across the state and forms part of the motoring club’s commitment to Queensland motorists and their families.

In addition to the “driver distraction” community service announcement, the club has produced a range of key road safety and advocacy community service messages for release throughout the year.