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Nine Out of Ten Drivers Distracted Behind the Wheel
Says New FindLaw.com Survey
Eating, using cell phones, texting, reading, even Web surfing common while driving
EAGAN, Minn., Nov. 19, 2009 - Nine out of ten drivers say they have engaged in distracting and potentially dangerous activities while driving, according to a new national survey by FindLaw.com (http://www.findlaw.com), the most popular legal information Web site. While many states and municipalities are passing or considering laws to restrict activities, such as sending text messages or using cell phones while driving, the survey found that nearly all drivers (91 percent) admit to trying to multitask while behind the wheel, with potentially dangerous consequences.
According to the FindLaw survey, the most common events people say they have engaged in while driving are:
- Drinking coffee or other beverages - 81%
- Eating - 76%
- Talking on a cell phone - 66%
- Sending or receiving text messages - 29%
- Applying makeup - 11% (21% of women drivers)
- Sending or receiving email - 8%
- Reading a book or newspaper - 7%
- Surfing the Internet - 5%
"Multitasking may be great in the office, but is often dangerous and illegal behind the wheel," said Stephanie Rahlfs, an attorney and editor with FindLaw.com. "Many states and localities have laws specifically prohibiting activities such as using a cell phone or sending a text message while driving. In addition, several states have laws that hold drivers accountable for distractions that could contribute to an accident."
Certain distracting activities are particularly prevalent among younger drivers. More than half of drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 say they have sent or received a text message while driving. One out of ten admit to having sent or received emails or surfed the Internet while behind the wheel.
Free Internet resources, such as the FindLaw Traffic Ticket Center (http://public.findlaw.com/traffic-ticket-violation-law/), can provide helpful information on traffic laws in each state.
The FindLaw.com survey was conducted using a demographically balanced telephone survey of 1,000 American adults and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus three percent.
Note to editors: Full survey results and analysis are available upon request.
About FindLaw
FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters, is a leading provider of free intelligent legal information, online marketing and client development services, providing the legal industry and consumers with the knowledge to act. Home to the largest online directory of lawyers that assists consumers in finding an attorney by practice area, FindLaw.com (www.findlaw.com) is the most popular legal Web site with nearly 4 million consumers visiting each month for free information about a legal topic, to solve a legal problem, or to find a lawyer.
About Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, scientific, healthcare and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 50,000 people in more than 100 countries. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.
