June 28, 2010—Eighty-seven percent of drivers believe that in-vehicle Web access is an important safety issue and 90 percent support texting restriction laws, according to a recent snapshot survey, “Wired-in-the-Car,” by Autobytel.
Despite those concerns, 40 percent of those surveyed said they wanted Internet in their vehicles and more than 50 percent admitted to being a distracted driver, at one point, by illegally texting or phoning while driving. Further, many respondents felt the addition of voice-controlled technologies as a means to improve safety when using electronic devices was a low priority, with only 14 percent in favor of such implements.
This data shows that although drivers know what safety risks exist and how to avoid them, they don’t change their driving behaviors, according to an Autobytel press release_notes.
The survey also indicated that 64 percent of drivers age 35 and under, or Echo Boomers, do not want Internet access and use banned in cars. This group is also twice as likely to be in an accident as a result using an in-car electronic device, such as a cell phone, GPS or iPod.
For more information and articles about distracted driving, go to autobytel.com.
