New Study Reveals Phone Use Findings Among Drivers
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently released findings from a new study that revealed some interesting news regarding phone use while driving. It seems clear that Americans are not fully ready to give up cell phone use, but their phone habits while driving may not be what you’d expect. This nationwide survey of smartphone users surveyed approximately 800 people, asking them questions about their phone use behind the wheel. They found that drivers are more inclined to talk on the phone compared to texting.
IIHS Study Details
Out of the 80 participants in the survey, 80 percent of respondents admitted to talking on the phone while driving in the last 30 days. Additionally, 30 percent of those users who had engaged in phone calls reported talking and driving every day. While talking and driving is still more dangerous than no phone use at all, most of the respondents stated that they use a hands-off device for phone calls in the car. Hands-off phone calls are made possible through Bluetooth, microphone-based headsets, or even just by enabling the speaker of a cell phone.
In comparison to the number of users who reported to talking on the phone while driving, only 38 percent of drivers stated that they had read texts or emails in the last 30 days. One-third of those drivers also indicated that they had sent text messages or emails. As it would probably be expected, more drivers reported engaging in handheld phone conversations in states that did not have any laws preventing hand-held phone use. About 31 percent of drivers in states without hand-held phone bans admitted to engaging in such conversations, compared to 14 percent of drivers that engaged in the same behavior in states that do prohibit this behavior.
Drivers within the middle age demographic talk on the phone in the car more than any other group. About 64 percent of respondents between the ages of 30 – 59 indicated that they have phone conversations at least a few times each week. These drivers reported to engaging in both handheld and hands-off conversations. There were also some gender differences noted in cellphone driving behaviors. Based on the survey findings, men reported making phone calls behind the wheel at a rate that was 22 percent higher than women.
Smartphones Becoming More and More Common
Although texting while driving has been proven to be much more harmful to drivers than talking on the phone, the safest option is to not use your phone in any form while driving. Using a cell phone in any way increases the chances of an auto accident, and one of the most important things we can do is heighten awareness regarding the dangers of phones and driving. Strategies to reduce cell phone use must be powerful and consistent, as smartphones are only becoming more and more popular. The Pew Research Center showed that 77 percent of all the U.S. population owned a smartphone in 2018, compared to a much smaller portion of 35 percent in 2011.
Watch YouTube Video: Liz Marks Texting & Driving Story. This educational video shows the heartbreaking story of a young girl’s car accident from texting and driving which has changed her life forever.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer. Distracted driving remains one of the most common reasons that car accidents happen. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident due to a distracted driver, speak with me for free and friendly advice regarding your claim. You can call me locally at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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New Study Reveals Phone Use Findings Among Drivers: AutoAccident.com
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