It seems like every week there’s a new study that relates both the dangers of and the prevalence of distracted driving. Until drivers get the message, though, it’s up to authorities and safety advocates to keep pressing the point. Kicking this habit to the curb may take a lot of work, but it’s certainly worth it.
This latest survey from SurveyU and Bridgestone queried a number of drivers between the ages of 16 and 21. What they found suggests a frightening trend: younger drivers are aware of the dangers of texting and talking on a cellphone at the wheel thanks to a multitude of Public Service Announcements and laws, but this awareness doesn’t necessarily dissuade them from the activity.
75% of respondents said they don’t mind refraining from cellphone usage while driving. The rest admitted that they saw no problem with using their phones. More than a third admitted to daydreaming, and speeding was also common among respondents. About a third also admitted to texting, although many said they think their friends text at the wheel.
Young drivers most typically turned to dangerous distractions when quite literally left to their own (electronic) devices. 95% said that they have talked on their phones when they were the only ones in the car, and a number of the young drivers said that they texted or emailed at the wheel. Some even admitted to watching videos.