Most drivers supportive of cell phone bans: survey

Washington – Most U.S. drivers have been exposed to messages discouraging distracted driving and support cell phone bans, but many continue to use their cell phones behind the wheel, according to a report (.pdf file) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Researchers surveyed more than 6,000 respondents 16 and older about their attitudes and behaviors regarding distracted driving. Nearly three-fourths of respondents supported bans on handheld cell phone use while driving, and 94 percent supported texting or email bans. Additionally, 63 percent of respondents reported seeing or hearing an educational message that discouraged distracted driving in the previous 30 days.

When asked about their behaviors, nearly half of respondents said they answer their cell phone while driving at least some of the time, and 14 percent of respondents said they read texts or emails while driving at least some of the time.

NHTSA recommends drivers turn off their electronic devices and place them out of reach before driving.