Personal electronics creating traffic hazards

Herald-Tribune

With bans against cellular phone use while driving spreading nationwide, a recently released survey reveals that American drivers support bans against other activities they consider distractions on the road.

According to a national survey by Response Insurance, a national car insurer, 65 percent of Blackberry owners favor banning the use of the digital wireless handheld devices behind the wheel. In fact, Blackberry owners supported the ban more than those who do not own one (58 percent).

The "Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey" also reveals that 59 percent of hand-held cellular phone owners support banning the use of those phones while driving, and even 19 percent of hands-free cellular phone owners want hands-free cellular phone use while driving banned.

In the general driving population, support for a ban on hand-held and hands-free cellular phones while driving was somewhat higher at 62 percent and 28 percent, respectively according to the survey.

The survey also revealed significant support for banning several other activities performed behind the wheel, including reading (79 percent), text messaging (72 percent), and grooming (68 percent).

However, results of the survey also showed that drivers were less enthusiastic about banning other activities while driving, such as eating (36 percent), smoking (34 percent) and listening to a portable digital music player (28 percent).

"Our survey results appear to reflect a growing concern that multi-tasking behind the wheel is getting out of hand," Response Insurance Group Chairman and CEO Mory Katz said. "But, the fastest way drivers can put those concerns into action is by not engaging in activities that present distractions."

The insurance company's survey of 1,000 adults nationwide was conducted between August 18-21, 2005.

For more information, visit the company's Internet site at www.response.com.