30% of Drivers in US Text While Driving, Survey Finds
Accidents related to distracted driving killed nearly 5,500 people in the US in 2009 with almost 20% of those involving the use of a cellphone. Yet, 30% of American adults under 30 admit to texting while driving, according to US transport officials.
The US Department of Transportation and consumer buying guide Consumer Products conducted a poll of 1,026 respondents as part of a new campaign to fight distracted driving.
The poll also found 63% of drivers under 30 admit to using a handheld phone while driving. Those aged above 30 were comparatively safer drivers—41% of them admit to using a phone and only 9% admit to texting on the road.
Startlingly, only 36% of those under-30 were “concerned about the problem of distracted driving” and almost a third felt it was dangerous to use a phone while driving, Consumer Reports said.
“Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on America’s roads, and teens are especially vulnerable because of their inexperience behind the wheel and, often, peer pressure,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a statement.
“Behind the statistics are real families who have been devastated by these tragedies.”
To combat the rise of teen texting, the US Department of Transportation and Consumer Reports have launched a brochure for parents and educators, to be distributed to schools and volunteer group.
[via Consumer Reports]
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