Americans Know Distracted Driving is Dangerous, But They Still Do It

 Posted on September 02, 2014 in Criminal Defense

According to a recent Harris Poll, adult drivers are engaging in risky behavior, including texting and talking on cell phones, even though they know it is dangerous. Distracted driving can result in traffic violations that not only subject you to stiff fines, depending on the number of offenses you have, but can also lead to crashes resulting in vehicle damage, injury, and even death.

Texting and Driving

The poll questioned over 2,000 adults between May 27 and 29, 2014. While over 90 percent agreed that sending and reading texts while driving is dangerous, 45 percent admit to reading text messages, and 37 percent say they have sent text messages while driving. Thirty-six percent of drivers with smart phones or tablets report using the devices to look information up while driving.

Talking on Cell Phones

Adults also talk on cell phones while behind the wheel even though they know it is dangerous. Sixty-nine percent think that talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving is dangerous, while only 36 percent believe that talking on a hands-free cell phone is dangerous. This is in spite of the fact that studies have shown that there is little difference from a safety perspective between talking on a hand-held cell phone and a hands-free version while driving. Although they know talking on a cell phone while driving is dangerous, 74 percent of adults do it, with 21 percent reporting that they do it frequently.

Other Behaviors

Adult drivers are also engaged in other distracted driving behaviors behind the wheel. Twenty-seven percent report engaging in personal grooming such as shaving, applying makeup, or styling hair; 24 percent have posted to social media sites; 19 percent have read a book, magazine, or newspaper; and 13 percent have watched a video on a smart phone or tablet.

Passenger Responsibility?

While many adults report riding as a passenger in a car with a driver who engages in distracted driving, 69 percent do not believe that a passenger in such situations should share legal liability if the driver causes an accident.

What to Do If Your Distracted Driving Causes an Accident

If you have been charged with causing an accident due to distracted driving, contact an experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney for help with your case. It is important to have an experienced attorney reviewing the details of your case with you so that your rights are protected.