Survey shows drivers are still using phones behind the wheel

Yahoo

14-04-2025

(WXIN/WTTV) — While most of us know by now about the dangers of texting, emailing and other distractions while driving, a new survey shows that many Americans are not putting their phones down.
The new survey from Nationwide Insurance shows 81% of drivers are aware of texting bans where they live. However, 92% say they're seeing more phones in the hands of drivers these days. And 10% admit to reading and writing emails while driving.
Phones are not the only technology causing concerns. Nearly half of drivers say they're concerned about in-vehicle touchscreens creating distractions on the road.
But while technology can be part of the problem, the survey shows it can also be seen as part of the solution to distracted driving. The vast majority of those surveyed, 85%, said dash cams can encourage safe driving habits, and 94% appreciate dash cams for providing evidence in accident investigations. A.I. powered dash cams can track signs of risky behavior like phone handling and sudden lane changes.
In addition, early half of respondents believe having an A.I. dash cam should qualify for lower car insurance.
As for the effectiveness of laws to ban texting and driving, only 48% of those surveyed believe those laws actually curb distracted driving.
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