Amorous Drivers A Risk

A new poll conducted for InsuranceQuotes.com finds that nearly one-third of American drivers are smooching or engaging in other romantic contact while they're behind the wheel.

The poll, conducted by GfK Roper, revealed that 29% of drivers surveyed acknowledged that they've been amorous behind the wheel sometime throughout the past year. The numbers reflect the larger issue of distracted driving with 93% of respondents reporting that they engage in it somehow, whether by texting or talking on a cell phone

"Kissing your Valentine while you're driving certainly can be fun, but it also can be dangerous," said John Egan, managing editor of InsuranceQuotes.com. "Sixteen percent of fatal crashes in 2009 were attributed to distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Given that statistic, it's wise to keep your eyes on the road, rather than on your sweetheart."

The survey also revealed some interesting demographic data, showing that highly educated drivers (at least a bachelor's degree) and high-income drivers (at least $75,000 in annual earnings) are more likely to drive distracted.

For example, 20% of well-educated drivers and 16% of well-off drivers say they’ve been involved in a minor accident because of distracted driving, compared with 11% of all motorists polled. Moreover, 41% of well-educated drivers and 35% of high-income drivers say they’ve swerved out of their line as a result of distracted driving, versus 32% of all drivers polled.

Additionally, 22% of well-educated drivers and 18% of high-income drivers admit they’ve been ticketed as a result of distracted driving, compared to 12% of all drivers polled. Twenty percent of well-educated drivers and 16% of well-off drivers say they’ve been involved in a minor accident because of distracted driving, versus 11% of all motorists. Finally, 17% of well-educated motorists and 13% of high-income drivers have been in a serious accident attributed to distracted driving, compared to 8% of all other drivers polled.

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