An online study by Wakefield Research that involved nearly 2,000 U.S. drivers and has revealed some interesting trends regarding distracted driving. North Carolina residents should know that nearly half responded that distracted driving is a top concern with them. All but 1% recognized the danger of cellphone use behind the wheel, and 89% percent were quick to criticize ride-hailing drivers who text. Yet many respondents themselves drove distracted.
Participants admitted to using their cellphones for an overall average of 13 minutes per day while behind the wheel. Perhaps even more concerning, almost two in five said they would not bother to put down their cellphones if law enforcement was nearby. Nevertheless, 90% considered themselves better motorists than ride-hailing workers for companies like Lyft and Uber.
What some also find hard to believe is the types of phone-related distractions that respondents admitted to. Just over half said group chats, which includes text and email chains with multiple people, were their most frequent source of distraction. A third said social was the most tempting distraction.
Root Insurance recently shared the study’s results. The auto insurer claims that scare tactics cannot ultimately be effective against distracted driving. This may be one reason why Root offers insurance discounts for drivers who refrain from cellphone use.
Someone who has been hurt in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver might want to take legal action. A lawyer could help make sure that the victim’s case is strong. Legal counsel may handle all negotiations for a settlement, taking the matter to court if these fall through.
