A report released this week showed nearly one in every three Americans still text while driving despite knowing the dangers involved and that the rate drivers in the United States using their mobile devices while driving was significantly higher than in many European countries.
The study from the Centers for Disease Control showed thirty-one percent of drivers in the United States between ages 18 and 64 reported they had read or sent text messages or email messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before they were surveyed. That is compared with 15 percent of drivers in Spain.
The report also showed more U.S. drivers talked on their cell phones or used email or text messaging while driving in 2011 than drivers in seven Western European countries. The data showed 69 percent of U.S. drivers talked on their cell phones while driving within the 30 days prior to the survey and only 21 percent of drivers from the United Kingdom reported talking on their phones.
Researchers said that there was no significant difference between men and women’s behaviors while driving, however a higher percentage of younger drivers (aged 25-44) reported talking on the cell phone while driving than drivers between the ages of 54-64. Also a higher percentage of 18-34 year olds reported sending, receiving and reading text and emails while driving compared with those aged 45-64.
Additionally, data showed that in 2010, almost one in every five crashes that resulted in injuries involved someone who was distracted while driving.
In Wisconsin, texting while driving is banned and using a cell phone while driving became illegal for any driver with a probationary license or instruction permit in November. Handheld cell phone use by all drivers is banned in 10 states in the United States.
Data was collected from the United States as well as Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.
If you or your loved one has been injured in any type of motor vehicle accident, you may want to discuss the situation with an experienced, compassionate Wisconsin personal injury attorney. Call today for your free, initial consultation.