Now that consciousnesses have been significantly raised against the dangers of drinking and driving, there is a new danger on the highway getting a lot of attention. It's one most of us admit we do.
In a survey of new car buyers by Harris Interactive, 84 percent admitted engaging in one or more cases of distracted driving in an average month. On average, they reported engaging in nearly 37 distracted driving habits in an average four week period.
Most people think of texting or talking on cell phones as distracted driving but there are many other activities that can take drivers' eyes - and minds - off the road.
Cell phones biggest distraction
Topping the list of activities were sending or receiving a phone call (11 times), drinking a beverage (8 times), texting (5 times), or emailing (3 times). New car buyers between the ages of 18 to 34 engage in the most distracted driving habits. Yet, the same age group had a lower frequency of making or receiving phone calls compared to new car buyers ages 35 to 44.
Breaking it down by gender, men engage in distracted driving habits the most, especially when making and receiving calls, compared to women.
Government agencies and even corporations have stepped up efforts to combat distracted driving with series of videos and public service announcements, such as the one below.
Perhaps because of the awareness campaigns, the survey found new car buyers more interested in safety.
"While ideally these drivers should practice fewer of these distracted driving habits, it is also comforting to know that this distracted driving group is aware of the importance of safety features and is actively considering them for their next vehicle purchase," said Mike Chadsey, Vice President, Automotive Solutions Consultant, Harris Interactive.
Safety technology
Safety technologies like back-up cameras, blind spot warning systems, and pedestrian sensors gained the most consumer interest over the past year compared to technologies focused on entertainment and comfort such as satellite radio and voice-activated controls.
Before exposure to a price, new car buyers prefer the option of smart phone docking over built-in applications, with 24 percent saying they would consider the option of docking their smart phone in their vehicle compared to just 14 percent who would consider having applications built-in.
Once exposed to a price, consideration is just slightly less, at 20 percent, even though smart phone docking technology was priced $100 higher than built-in applications.
"Consumers are indicating that they want their automotive technology to help improve safety while giving them more flexibility, even if it costs a little more," said Chadsey. Â
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