Despite bans on hand-held cell phone use while driving in a number of states, including California, a recent survey shows that drivers in the U.S. continue to use electronic devices behind the wheel.
At any point during the day, about 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or other electronics, a statistic that has remained the same since 2010, according to a survey released Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The survey includes statistics from 2012 Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behaviors Survey and the 2011 National Occupant Protection Use Survey on Driver Electronics Use, as well as the 2011 Distraction Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data.
Survey statistics show that 74 percent of drivers support a ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving and 94 percent support a texting while driving ban. Currently, 39 states and Washington, D.C. have laws against texting while driving, while 10 states and D.C. prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones.
Additionally, according to the NHTSA data, more than 3,300 people were killed and 387,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2011 in the U.S.
“Many drivers see distracted driving as risky when other drivers do it, but do not recognize how their own driving deteriorates,” NHTSA administrator David Strickland said in a statement. “I urge all motorists to use common sense and keep their attention focused solely on the task of safely driving.”
The data were released in conjunction with the star of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Sheriff’s departments across the state, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, are conducting zero tolerance distracted driving enforcement throughout the month.
The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is actively ticketing drivers without warnings who are texting or talking on hand-held cell phones on April 16. The current minimum ticket cost is $159, with subsequent tickets costing at least $279.
In California, about 450,000 convictions were given out for violating distracted driving laws last year, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“We all know that talking on our cell phones while driving is distracting, but that doesn’t stop some people from continuing to do it,” Malibu/Lost Hills Traffic Sgt. Philip Brooks said. “This effort is intended to educate our community about the dangers of cell phone use while driving. We hope that once people see the statistics and realize the danger involved, they will change their driving habits to help protect themselves, their families and others on the road.”