A recent poll presented by USA Today reveals that drivers are surfing the web while driving at an increasing rate. According to the poll, 24% of drivers access the internet on their cell phone while driving and 17% of people in the poll open their social media networks while driving up from 14% in 2011. In addition, the number of people who have read an email on their phone while driving has increased by 3% since 2011 (21% -24%) and 16% have responded to an email on their cell phone while driving.
The poll also reveals that driving and texting is prevalent among all age groups. The percent of drivers who talk or text on cell phones while driving. The worst offenders were 18-29 years olds. Approximately 75% admitted to talking on their cell phone while driving and approximately 70% in this age group admitted to texting while driving.
Although young drivers are among the worst offenders, 50% are drivers in the age group of 30-39, 31% of drivers in the age group of 40-49, and 19% are drivers in the age group of 50-64 said they have texted while driving.
According to the study, sending a text message is the most distracting activity to engage in while driving followed by reading a text message.
Texting and driving is extremely dangerous, not only to you as the driver, but also to other drivers around you. The New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law has addressed the concerns surrounding texting and driving thereby increasing the penalties and points for such infractions.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident and suffered injuries due to the negligence of another driver, please contact the accident attorneys at Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto for assistance. Call us toll-free at (800) 721-3553 or fill out this form for a free consultation.
Reference: Drivers still Web surfing while driving, survey finds, USA Today
