Survey Says Young US Drivers See Texting Risks but Still Do It

Most young US drivers believe that texting behind the wheel is dangerous, but nearly a third admit that they do it anyway, shows survey.

And 47 percent reported that they had made a phone call without a headset while behind the wheel, even though nearly two-thirds acknowledged that the behavior was perilous.

Study Led By Teens Highlight Dangers Of Texting And Driving
Quite a number of people have questioned whether a ban on texting while driving will actually lead to more crashes due to the implications cause by concealed typing and reading of texts.

Some in the survey said they had reduced or stopped the activities linked to distracted driving, after learning of the dangers or because of laws banning phone use or texting in cars. Nearly 20 percent knew someone who had been in a crash caused by distracted driving.

The survey also showed that peer pressure may be curbing distracted driving -- almost half who have driven with friends said they were less likely to talk on a handheld cell phone or text when friends were passengers.

"Our survey showed that while far too many young people are driving while distracted, they are less likely to do so when their parents, friends, or siblings set a good example," said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports auto editor.

Benefit of Texting
Text messages can help alleviate stressed, isolated people, shows study.

"We encourage everyone to stop the car in a safe place if they need to use a cell phone. And if they're riding with a driver using a handheld phone, ask him or her to put it down and stop gambling with their safety."

The report was based on a survey of 1,049 persons between 16 and 21.

Texting in Classrooms Hampers Students' Learning
Texting in college classrooms distracts students and results in poor learning, shows study.

The top US transportation safety body has recommended that all 50 US states impose a strict ban on the use of cellphones -- both hand-held and hands-free -- while driving.

Source-AFP

Texting More Than Ever, Teens in US: Study
United States is observing teenagers texting more than ever and are also likelier to have a smart phone in their hands, states survey released on Monday.