Despite the fact that most drivers support laws prohibiting cellphone use when operating a motor vehicle, one thing is clear: people are still using them while driving.
State Farm surveyed drivers about when they were more or less likely to use their devices when driving, and this is what they learned:
Approximately 63 percent of surveyed drivers said they are more likely to use their cellphones when stopped at a red light. About 30 percent said they are more likely to use their phones on an open highway.
At least 93 percent of surveyed drivers said they are less likely to use their cellphone when it is icy, 92 percent are less likely to use their cellphone when it is snowing, and 91 percent are less likely to use their phones when it is foggy.
Other situations mentioned in the survey include:
-Rain - 88 percent
-Construction zone - 87 percent
-School zone - 83 percent
- Heavy traffic - 78 percent
- Dark outside - 75 percent
At least ten percent of respondents said that driving in school zones and construction zones doesn't play a role on their cellphone use, a troubling discovery no matter how you look at it.
"It's interesting to see that many drivers report assessing driving conditions when they make choices regarding using their cellphones," said Chris Mullen, Director of Technology Research at State Farm. "However, we want to remind people that there are demands on their attention when driving whether moving or not, and to please stay 100% focused on their drive."
State Farm has been conducting its survey of people's attitudes and behaviors when it comes to cellphone use while driving for the last six years. Here are some trends that have emerged since:
- There has been a steady reduction in the number of drivers talking on a hand-held cell phone.
- The number of people who report texting while driving has remained stable over six years.
- In 2011, smartphone ownership rose 52 percent and by 2014 that number grew to 80 percent.
- Smartphones create new distractions: Drivers can now access the Internet, read email, respond to email, programming and read/respond to social media using their phones.
- Drivers are more likely to talk on a smartphone than they are to text message while using their vehicle.
"These six-year trends make it apparent that smartphones have created many new distractions for drivers to juggle," Mullen added. "While much attention is paid to the dangers of talking and texting while driving, it's critical that we also address the increasing use of other smartphone features and other sources of distraction."
The State Farm Strategic Resources Department used an outside panel vendor to conduct an online survey of U.S. consumers ages 18 and older in August 2009 and 2010, and in July 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Survey responses were received from about 1,000 consumers each year.
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