Driving distractions come in many shapes and sizes. Between phone calls, text messages, Internet, television screens, unruly children, and distractions on the road, it is a wonder we ever arrive safely from Point A to Point B.
In November of 2010, State Farm created an online survey to gain a better understanding of what distracts drivers from their most important task at hand - driving. The survey went to 912 drivers who reported that they drive at least an hour per week, own a smartphone, and have a valid driver's license.
Of those surveyed, 19% admitted to Internet usage while driving. Here are the top five internet activities that driver's engage in:
- Searching for and reading driving directions
- Reading E-mail
- Looking for specific information of immediate interest, such as where to find a restaurant
- Reading/Updating social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook
- Writing/sending an e-mail
When asked about when their internet usage occurs, drivers responded:
- When stopped at traffic lights
- During heavy traffic
- When driving alone
- During daylight hours only
- On long highway drives
The survey further reports that about 40% of the U.S. population currently owns a smartphone, and this statistic equates to many distracted drivers on the road at any given time. Studies show that the increasing use of smartphones, especially among young adults, increases the risk of crashes. And there is an ever-growing need to remind yourself and the ones you love to put the phone away while driving.