U.S. drivers talk and text on cell phones, eat, do makeup, email...oh, and drive
By RealIolo
@RealIolo (1854)
United States
January 22, 2007 12:20pm CST
Some even shave or change clothes!
A survey released on Monday shows 81 percent of Americans do more than drive when they're behind the wheel.
More than eight of 10 people surveyed said they adjust the radio or music while they drive, while 73 percent talk on the phone, 68 percent eat, 19 percent send text messages and 5 percent checked their e-mail.
Personal hygiene was also a big driver distraction, with 19 percent fixing their hair, 12 percent putting on makeup and 2 percent shaving while at the controls of a car.
The problem with that is driving requires focus, and multi-tasking while driving puts you and your fellow drivers at risk.
Drivers in the survey also admitted to changing seats with passengers, watching a movie, painting their toenails, nursing a baby and putting in contact lenses while driving.
Younger drivers multi-task the most, the survey found, with 35 percent of 18-to-27 year olds saying they always multi-task in the car, compared to 21 percent of middle aged group.
The consequences for young drivers are severe, with car accidents being the number one cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 27.
I want to know when Americans are going to stop putting others at risk with this behavior and what can be done about it!
I am beginning to think that we need sever penalties for these this kind of activity! Based on my own personal observation cell phones are the worst distraction because everyone seems to think they can do it and still be a safe driver! News Flash... You can't!
What do you think about all this and how does it make you feel? What can be done about it? How should this problem be addressed by society?
2 people like this
2 responses
@contusion12878 (669)
• United States
22 Jan 07
First of all I couldnt agree with you more, but its not just the Americans who drive this way. Its all over the world. I think that the laws should be increased, but it wont stop people from doing what they do while they drive. You can be the safest driver in the world and still get killed by another safe driver. I think we should rasie the age that we need to be before we get liscensed and increase the rules and regulations abit, with more sever punishments to the people who really abuse their privelage to drive.
@RealIolo (1854)
• United States
22 Jan 07
First I want to say that I like your suggestions. I realize that drivers everywhere behave like this. The survey that prompted my post was just Americans however. I even have issues with the hands free cell phone users! You shouldn't even be talking to the driver anymore then is absolutely necessary. Freeway is not as bad for conversation as in the city limits I do admit but still. I find that the talkative passenger makes my driving less focused and I would prefer it be kept to a minimum.
1 person likes this
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
22 Jan 07
And whats your problem? hehehe Just kidding. Its not just americans it all over every country. And this has going on for years now. The only new thing is the cell phone. I know people shouldnt do it but try stopping them. You cant its just an impossible task. So I have to live with it.
@RealIolo (1854)
• United States
22 Jan 07
In some states they have managed to curtail the activity a lot! I say make it illegal and make the penalties sever! Like a minimum of $250.00 for first offense and then increment the fine by $250.00 for each additional offense. So $500.00 for second, $750.00 for third.
Maybe even consider a different penalty for drivers with excessive incomes, like mandatory jail time!
Whatever it takes to keep these drivers from putting others at risk.