The GMAC Insurance Distracted Driving Study, part of the 7th Annual National Drivers Test, asked drivers about their driving habits to determine just how focused people are when they’re behind the wheel. Fifty-six percent of the national driving public said they have completely eliminated making calls, texting and sending emails while they’re behind the wheel. And, another 32 percent said they’re using their phones less while driving.
The most startling numbers come from the 16-17 year old drivers on the roads. Seventy-five percent of the youngest drivers said they have completely eliminated usage of their mobile devices while driving. In fact, this youngest age group is the most likely to say they have completely eliminated mobile phone usage behind the wheel. Right behind the youngest drivers are the oldest drivers on the road. Seventy-two percent of drivers age 60-65 said they have completely eliminated mobile phone usage behind the wheel.
The worst offenders are the drivers age 25-34. Seventy-two percent of drivers in this age group are still admittedly using their cell phones to make calls, text and even send email.
While there’s a noticeable difference in distracted driving habits across different age groups, there’s not much of a difference between men and women. Fifty-eight percent of men and 54 percent of women say they have completely eliminated the use of their mobile devices while driving.
The biggest deterrents stopping people from using their mobile phones behind the wheel have been news stories featuring accidents caused by distracted driving, mobile phone bans and laws and ad campaigns and initiatives that urge people to put their mobile devices away while driving. Interestingly, eight out of 10 drivers say they have never been distracted or even came close to having an accident due to using a mobile device while driving.