Almost half of drivers in Connecticut and around the U.S. say that distracted driving is their top worry when behind the wheel, according to a study. It was conducted by Wakefield Research and Root Insurance, which offers rate discounts to drivers who don’t use their cellphones while operating their vehicles.
The study found that 47 percent of motorists say that distracted driving is their top road safety concern and 99 percent believe cellphones are one of the top three causes of it. However, the participants spent an average of 13 minutes per day using cellphones or other devices while behind the wheel. That amounts to 91 minutes each week. In addition, 38 percent of people who use their cellphones while driving don’t put the devices down when they see police officers.
According to the study, 52 percent of drivers say that they are most distracted by group chats while behind the wheel. Meanwhile, 33 percent of drivers say they are most distracted by social media, and 18 percent of drivers say they are most distracted by streaming videos or movies. While many respondents admit to engaging in distracted driving, they say other drivers shouldn’t do it. For example, 89 percent say they would give a ride-share driver a bad review if he or she texted while driving. The study also found that cellphones aren’t the only things distracting drivers when their vehicles are in motion. Eighteen percent of the study’s participants say they do their makeup or hair while driving, 13 percent say they play with their pets, and 12 percent say they change their clothes.
Occupants of other vehicles who are injured in distracted driving car accidents could be owed compensation for medical expenses and other damages. A personal injury attorney could review the case and help prepare a claim.
