Most drivers behind laws against texting and driving, but not confident in enforcement: survey

An increasing number of drivers are admitting to engaging in distracted driving behaviour, and many are behind laws prohibiting texting while behind the wheel, according to a new survey from insurer State Farm.

The percentage of drivers using their smartphones to access the internet while driving has gone from 13% in 2009 to 24% in 2013, State Farm said, with its latest survey of about 1,000 motorists conducted this past July.

The percentage of drivers talking on a handheld phone or texting while driving has been stagnant for the past three years, although the use of hands-free phones while driving has increased, according to its research.

Smartphone ownership has increased in all age groups, according to the survey:

• 18-29: 78% in 2011 to 86% in 2013
• 30-39: 60% in 2011 to 86% in 2013
• 40-49: 47% in 2011 to 82% in 2013
• 50-64: 44% in 2011 to 64% in 2013
• 65 and older: 23% in 2011 to 39% in 2013

Sending and reading text messages were considered by survey respondents to be the most distracting behaviours, with 76% and 62% respectively labelling those actions as “very distracting.”

Attending to children in the backseat was also considered by 41% to be very distracting, while only 14% considered using a hands-free phone to be very distracting.

About three-quarters (74%) of those surveyed said they strongly agree with laws or regulations prohibiting texting or emailing while driving, while 44% were extremely likely to support technology that would prevent texting or emailing on a cell phone while driving.

However, more than half also said they believe that laws governing cell phone use while driving are enforced to little or no extent.

“As smartphone ownership increases for all age groups, the safety community must ensure we are keeping pace with our understanding of the types of distractions drivers face,” Chris Mullen, director of technology research at State Farm commented in a statement on the results.

“Much attention is paid toward reducing texting while driving, but we must also be concerned about addressing the growing use of multiple mobile web services while driving.”