With bans against cell phone use while driving spreading nationwide, a newly released survey reveals that American drivers support bans against other activities they consider distractions on the road as well. According to a national survey by Response Insurance, a national car insurer, 65% of Blackberry owners favor banning their use behind the wheel. In fact, Blackberry owners supported the ban more than those who do not own one (58%). The “Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey” also reveals that 59% of hand-held cell phone owners support banning their cell phones while driving, and even 19% of hands-free cell phone owners want hands-free cell phone use while driving banned. In the general driver population, support for a ban on hand-held and hands-free cell phones while driving was somewhat higher at 62% and 28%, respectively.
The Survey also revealed significant support for banning several other activities behind the wheel:
- Reading: 79%
- Text Messaging: 72%
- Grooming: 68%
However, also according to the Survey, drivers were less enthusiastic about banning other activities while driving:
- Eating: 36%
- Smoking: 34%
- Listening to an iPod or MP3 player: 28%
Source: The Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey of 1,000 adults was conducted 8/18-21/05. The survey has a margin of error of + / – 3%.
