Motorists Say Using Cell Phones While Driving Should be Illegal

While many U.S. motorists admit to have used a cell phone while driving, they also believe it should be illegal to do so.

For its “2010 Chubb Driver Distraction Survey,” the Chubb Group of Insurance Cos. asked 1,000 motorists throughout the United States about three ways in which they use cell phone uses while driving: talking with a hand-held phone, talking with a hands-free phone and texting.

Of the 356 respondents who said they have talked on a hand-held cell phone while driving, 43% said it should be illegal to do so. Of the 315 respondents who have talked on a hands-free cell phone while driving, 11% said it should be illegal to do so. An overwhelming 80% of the 133 respondents who have texted while driving said that should be illegal.

Other activities respondents said should be illegal while driving include:

    •    Using a cell phone - 90%
    •    Texting - 87%
    •    Hand-held - 66%
    •    Hands-free - 28%

    •    Changing clothes - 79%
    •    Personal grooming (makeup, shaving, brushing hair) - 69%
    •    Arguing with unruly children - 24%
    •    Eating or drinking - 21%
    •    Changing CDs, radio stations or songs on an mp3 player - 17%

Although 77% of respondents have observed other motorists apply makeup, shave and brush their hair, only 8% admitted to engaging in such personal grooming activities behind the wheel. In addition, 18% of respondents have seen others change their clothes while driving, but only 3% admitted to doing so themselves.

"Our survey shows a disconnect between how people view the dangers associated with distracted driving and their own behavior behind the wheel," says Raymond Crisci, VP and worldwide automobile product manager for Chubb Personal Insurance. "We're hopeful that as people continue to become more educated regarding the hazards associated with distracted driving, they'll be less likely to engage in risky behavior."