69 per cent of drivers use mobiles while behind the wheel

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has presented some disconcerting figures that show 69 per cent of licensed American drivers admitting to mobile phone use while behind the wheel within the past month. Despite that, 89 per cent of drivers believe those combining mobile use with driving pose a threat to the personal safety.
There's good reason to be fearful, as the mobile users admit to engaging in other reckless behaviours too, with 65 per cent speeding, 44 per cent driving while drowsy, 53 per cent sending a text or email, and 29 per cent neglecting a seatbelt.
Comparatively, drivers that hadn't used a mobile on the move in the past month are less likely to report maniacal motoring, with 31 per cent speeding, 14 per cent driving drowsy, three per cent sending a text or email and 16 per cent drove without a safety belt.
Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, said: "Ninety per cent of respondents believe that distracted driving is a somewhat or much bigger problem today than it was three years ago, yet they themselves continue to engage in the same activities.
"More work clearly is needed to educate motorists on the risks associated with using a cell phone while driving, especially given that most Americans believe this problem is becoming worse."
Although 95 per cent of respondents claim to disapprove of texting and emailing, 27 per cent admit to having done so in the past 30 days, spiking to 61 per cent for 16-24 year-olds.

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