Smartphone Use While Driving Extends Beyond Texting

New Research Finds Smartphone Use While Driving Extends Beyond Texting

Study from AT&T shows that nearly four in 10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving, almost three in 10 surf the net and one in 10 video chat.

New research from AT&T shows that nearly four in 10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving, almost three in 10 surf the net and one in 10 video chat.

Overall, seven in 10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving, with texting and emailing still being the most prevalent. But other smartphone activity use behind the wheel is now common. Among social platforms, Facebook tops the list, with more than a quarter of those polled using the app while driving. About one in seven said they’re on Twitter behind the wheel.

AT&T states that it will expand its It Can Wait campaign from a focus on texting while driving to include other smartphone driving distractions that have emerged as relationships with devices have changed.

“When we launched It Can Wait five years ago, we pleaded with people to realize that no text is worth a life,” said Lori Lee, AT&T’s global marketing officer. “The same applies to other smartphone activities that people are doing while driving. For the sake of you and those around you, please keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone.”

Smartphone activities people say they do while driving include:

  • Text (61%)
  • Email (33%)
  • Surf the net (28%)
  • Facebook (27%)
  • Snap a selfie/photo (17%)
  • Twitter (14%)
  • Instagram (14%)
  • Shoot a video (12%)
  • Snapchat (11%)
  • Video chat (10%)

Other unsettling findings include:

  • 62% keep their smartphones within easy reach while driving
  • 30% of people who post to Twitter while driving do it “all the time”
  • 22% who access social networks while driving cite addiction as a reason
  • Of those who shoot videos behind the wheel, 27% think they can do it safely while driving

AT&T says it will use the survey findings to help drive awareness of the dangers of smartphone use behind the wheel and encourage life-saving behavior change. It will collaborate with social platforms to share the message, and will launch a nationwide virtual reality tour this summer to help people understand that it’s not possible to drive safely while using a smartphone.

You May Also Like

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

Corby’s Collision, Inc. has been repairing vehicles since 1942 when Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started their automotive venture in Honeoye Falls, N.Y., in a little gas station on North Main Street. In 1954, the business moved to its present location at 1212 Rochester St., where they continued repairing vehicles and selling Arctic Cat and Ski Doo snowmobiles. In 1985, Larry and Bonnie Corby purchased the family business, expanding in 1996 when they opened a second location in the Canandaigua area as Corby’s Precision Collision at Ontario Imports in the Ontario Mazda building. In 1999, the Canandaigua business was moved to its present location at 2460 State Route 332. Now, as the third generation, Leslie (Corby) and Kelly Craft continue to carry on the family tradition.

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.

NABC Donates Recycled Rides at NORTHEAST Show

The NABC, GEICO, Mountain View Auto and Collision Center of New Jersey donated two refurbished vehicles at the recent NORTHEAST Show.

Crash Champions Expands in Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Addison Collision Repair in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Other Posts

Auto Care Association Welcomes GAO Report on Vehicle Repair Restrictions

The Auto Care Association is renewing its call for Congress to advance federal Right to Repair legislation that protects independent business owners and consumers.

ProColor Collision Welcomes First Shop in Montana

ProColor Collision Gallatin Valley is operated by Robert Rinta and Simon Gratch, who both served honorably in the Montana National Guard.

Association News

The latest association news appearing on bodyshopbusiness.com.

Podcasts of the Week

A review of some of the latest podcasts from BodyShop Business.