Survey says… Nine Out of Ten Drivers Distracted Behind the Wheel
Eating, using cell phones, texting, reading, even Web surfing common while driving
Nine out of ten drivers say they have engaged in distracting and potentially dangerous activities while driving, according to a new national (USA) survey by FindLaw.com (http://www.findlaw.com), the most popular legal information Web site.
While many states and municipalities are passing or considering laws to restrict activities, such as sending text messages or using cell phones while driving, the survey found that nearly all drivers (91 percent) admit to trying to multitask while behind the wheel, with potentially dangerous consequences.
According to the FindLaw survey, the most common events people say they have engaged in while driving are:
· Drinking coffee or other beverages - 81%
· Eating - 76%
· Talking on a cell phone - 66%
· Sending or receiving text messages - 29%
· Applying makeup - 11% (21% of women drivers)
· Sending or receiving email - 8%
· Reading a book or newspaper - 7%
· Surfing the Internet - 5%