Distracted driving a hard temptation to resist
Distracted driving a hard temptation to resist
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Apr 04, 2019
According to the results of a recent study, many motorists in Reno find texting and driving, and other distracted driving habits, too alluring to quit. This is true despite the repeated warnings that such behavior can lead to serious and even fatal car accidents.
While this study was conducted by a major insurance company, the results were reported by at least one media outlet. In any event, the analysis of the results, which surveyed more than 2,000 drivers, should be a warning to everyone that we have a way to go when it comes to distracted driving.
The study found that, even in the face of laws prohibiting such behavior, about 44 percent of those surveyed admitted to texting and driving. Likewise, almost one in four people admitted that they had checked their social media accounts while driving. However, these classic distracted driving behaviors were not the only areas of concern. More than one in five people admitted to snapping a photo with their cellphones while driving.
Phones were not the only problem with respect to distracted driving. In fact, 80 percent of those surveyed admitted to trying to juggle food or drink while driving. Also, about one-third of those surveyed said that they had groomed themselves, doing things like brushing their teeth, while behind the wheel.
Perhaps the scariest thing about this research is that 13 percent of those studied candidly acknowledged that they would have a hard time quitting their texting and driving habit, even though the behavior is clearly dangerous. Judging by the results of this survey, further steps to prevent distracted driving are needed. In the meantime, it is important for victims of distracted drivers to remember that they have legal options available to them that can hold a distracted driver accountable for their injuries.