Considering picking up the phone while driving? You may want to think again. A recent study from AAA found that drivers who used cell phones were also more likely to engage in other dangerous behaviors, such as speeding, drowsy driving, not using a seatbelt and texting while behind the wheel.
Despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of people - 89 percent - believe that motorists who use cell phones are a threat to the safety of others, about 69 percent of people report engaging in those behaviors themselves. A similar majority of people also reported that they frequently speed, text or email or potentially drive when drowsy.
"Ninety percent of respondents believe that distracted driving is a somewhat or much bigger problem today than it was three years ago, yet they continue to engage in the same activities," said Peter Kissinger, president of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "More work clearly is needed to educate motorists on the risks associated with using a cell phone while driving."
The Herald-Dispatch reports that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash, making it likely that most people will have to deal with accidents and car repair that stem from these risky behaviors.