Eight in 10 Young Drivers Say Texting behind the Wheel Is Dangerous, Yet Nearly A Third Admit To Doing It

June 2012 Cover YONKERS, NY — While the vast majority of young drivers aged 16-21 agree that texting, using smart-phone apps, or accessing the Internet while driving is very dangerous, nearly a third (29 percent) admitted in a Consumer Reports survey that they had, in fact, texted while behind the wheel in the past month. Forty-seven percent reported that they had made a phone call without a headset while behind the wheel, even though nearly two-thirds (63 percent) acknowledged that the behavior was perilous.

The full report can be found in the June 2012 issue of Consumer Reports on sale today and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

When Consumer Reports asked the young respondents why they had reduced or stopped distracted driving, 61 percent said it was because they had heard about the dangers of it. Other important reasons were laws banning cell phone use and/or texting in cars (40 percent) and family members urging respondents to stop (28 percent). Nearly 20 percent knew someone who had been in a crash caused by distracted driving.

The Consumer Reports survey also revealed that having peers in the car may help curb distracted driving. Almost half who have driven with friends said they were less likely to talk on a handheld cell phone or text when friends were passengers. Consumer Reports notes that one reason for this may be that many young people are speaking up; almost 50 percent said they had asked a driver to stop using a phone in the car because they feared for their safety.

“Our survey showed that while far too many young people are driving while distracted, they are less likely to do so when their parents, friends, or siblings set a good example,” said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports Auto Editor. “We encourage everyone to stop the car in a safe place if they need to use a cell phone. And if they’re riding with a driver using a handheld phone, ask him or her to put it down and stop gambling with their safety.”

Additional findings from the Consumer Reports survey of 16- to 21-year-olds include:

84 percent saw other young people talking on a handheld phone while driving
71 percent saw a peer texting while behind the wheel
48 percent witnessed their mom or dad talking on a handheld phone while driving
15 percent witnessed their mom or dad texting while behind the wheel
8 percent operated smart phone apps while driving in the last 30 days
7 percent used e-mail or social media while behind the wheel in the last 30 days

The questionnaire was fielded online by Knowledge Networks from November 23, 2011 to December 13, 2011. Knowledge Networks selects households for its panels using address based sampling methods. Analyses were conducted with the sample weighted to reflect national demographics. A total of 1,049 surveys were completed by adults aged 16 to 21 years. Knowledge Networks received parental or legal guardian consent for all panelists aged 17 or younger. The margin of error is +/- 3.03 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.

About Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.

© 2012 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.