and talking on a cell phone at the same time is dangerous, and that it is
safer to use a hands-free device to hold the cell phone, a large majority
of drivers with cell phones still talk on the cell phone and drive at the
same time. This is especially true with younger adults. Even in states that
have laws requiring the use of a hands-free device, many adults are not
using the hands- free device.
These are some of the results of a Harris Poll of 2,085 U.S. adults
surveyed online by Harris Interactive(R) between May 9 and 16, 2006.
— About three-quarters (73%) of adults who drive and have a cell phone
(78% of all adults drive and have a cell phone) say that they talk on
their cell phone while driving. Two-thirds (67%) say that they
sometimes talk on their cell and drive, while only six percent admit to
doing this all the time. Just over a quarter of adults (27%) say that
they never talk on their cell while driving.
— This pattern holds pretty much across all regions of the country, with
higher numbers in the Midwest (76%) and South (77%). Only in those
states that have a law that requires use of a hands-free device (New
York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington DC) are the percentages
lower (61%).
— Interestingly, younger adults are more likely than their older
counterparts to drive while talking on a cell phone. Almost nine in 10
(86%) Echo Boomers (those ages 18 to 29) say that they talk on their
cell phone while driving, as compared to about half (48%) of Matures
(those ages 61 and over).
— For those who admit to talking on their cell phone while driving, a
large majority (72%) say that they hold the cell phone. Only 28 percent
say that they use a hands-free device that cradles the cell phone. Even
those in states that have a hands-free law, just 55 percent say that
they use the hands-free device, while the remaining 45 percent say that
they hold their phone.
— Similarly, six in 10 adults (60%) say that have been a passenger in a
car while the driver is talking on a cell phone, with five percent
saying that this happens often, and another 55 percent who says it
happens sometimes. For those who are in states with a hands-free law
are the percentages smaller, however, almost half (48%) say that they
are often or sometimes a passenger in a car while the driver is talking
on a cell phone.
— Among the entire adult population, about six in 10 (61%) think that
their state does not currently have a hands-free law, with 14 percent
saying that their state does have such a law. There is some
unfamiliarity with this, considering a quarter (25%) say that they are
not sure whether their state has a law.
Over half (56%) of adults say it is at least dangerous, with 31 percent
saying it is very dangerous for someone to use a cell phone while driving.
Another 26 percent say that using a cell phone while driving is somewhat
dangerous, and only 18 percent say either slightly dangerous or not
dangerous at all.
— Those who are most likely to say this is a dangerous activity are those
who live in states with a hands free law (64%), Matures (69%), and
those who never talk on their cell phone while driving (85%).
— Conversely, smaller percentages of adults who admit to taking on their
cell while driving (40%) and Echo Boomers (49%) say that this is
dangerous.
Though many acknowledge that driving and talking on a cell phone at the
same time is dangerous, many still hold their phone, despite the feeling
that using a hands-free cell phone is safer, with 13 percent saying it is
much safer and 57 percent saying somewhat safer. Another 22 percent say
that using a hands-free cell phone is just as safe as using a hand-held
phone. Few (8%) say that a hands-free cell phone is more dangerous.
While a law exists in some states that require the use of a hands-free
device, more adults appreciate the danger. Fewer adults talk on the
cell-phone while driving and those that do use the hands-free device more
often. However, there is still room for improvement, which may come about
with improved public awareness campaigns (and perhaps laws) as to the risks
of using a cell phone while driving.