Significant usage of mobile devices while driving cars

Posted: April 19, 2013

Posted in: Car Accidents Road Traffic Accidents 

Most U.S. drivers reported risking a serious car crash by talking on their cell phone, and about one in three read or sent text or email messages when driving, according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

The study looked at the level of mobile phone use while driving among drivers aged 18-64 years in the US and compared it with levels in seven European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom).

Researchers found that 69% of U.S. drivers talked on their cell phone while driving within the 30 days before they were surveyed compared to 21% of drivers from the United Kingdom. The study also found that 31% of drivers in the United States reported that they had read or sent text messages or emails while driving, compared to 15% of drivers in Spain.

“Everyone, of every age and generation, has the ability to make a decision to drive distraction-free,” said Linda C. Degutis, director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

“It’s especially risky for young, inexperienced drivers—who are already extremely vulnerable to crashes—to be distracted when they are behind the wheel. Answering a call or reading a text is never worth a loss of life.”

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