Drivers Who Use Cell Phones Exhibit Other Dangerous Behaviors

According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers who use cell phones when they are driving are more likely to engage in other bad driving behaviors.

The findings were part of a national survey regarding driver attitudes and behaviors. The most recent results came from the fifth annual survey.

The survey was completed by nearly 3,900 people over an 18-day period. The survey found some contradictory results. For example, although 89% of respondents said that other drivers who use cell phones while driving were a safety hazard, approximately 69% of them responded that they personally used a cell phone while driving within the past month.

The study revealed that drivers who use cell phones participated in several other unsafe behaviors. For example, 65% admitted to speeding and 53% said that they had also sent text messages or emails. Additionally, 44% of these individuals admitted to driving while drowsy and about 29% said they didn’t wear their seat belt.

On the other hand, drivers who said they did not use a cell phone were more likely to be safer drivers. According to their responses to the poll, these drivers were less likely to engage in the risky behaviors discussed above.

Nearly all of the survey respondents believe that distracted driving has gotten worse over the last three years, most of who admitted to driving while distracted themselves. The statistics support this commonly held belief. The number of fatalities has increased. In 2011, 3,331 fatalities were the result of distracted driving in the year 2011, representing an increase of 1.9 percent in comparison to the number of fatalities in 2010. Institutionalizing more bans on texting while driving may help, especially in the 11 states that do not currently have laws of this nature.

AAA strives to educate drivers about safe behaviors. It also supports adding ignition interlock devices for drivers who were convicted of DUIs, obeying all traffic signals, requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets and refraining from driving while drowsy.

Distracted driving continues to be a problem. While the legislature continues to make new laws banning certain cell phone activities, accidents will still occur. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, a Tampa car accident attorney may be able to assist you.

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