While many drivers know that drinking and driving don’t mix and wouldn’t dare do such a thing, a good majority of people realize the dangers behind texting and driving, but keep on doing so nonetheless. That was the main takeaway of a recent survey from AT&T, which found that over 90 percent of “frequent drivers” text and drive even if they know of its hazards.
Even more telling is the study co-author’s belief, and that of many others, that texting and driving is substantially more dangerous than the age-old, and risky practice of drinking and driving. “People drive more erratically when they’re texting than when they’re drinking and driving (and) we know that people are six times more likely to be in an accident if they’re texting and driving,” said Center for Internet and Technology Addiction founder and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut David Greenfield, who helped create the survey used by AT&T.
The survey also included other disturbing findings about how American motorists tend to think little of using their phones even when behind the wheel. Approximately 75 percent of respondents said they do take a peek at their phones while driving. But like those who text and drive, many of these drivers believe their actions are justified; close to 30 percent of respondents told AT&T that they’re confident enough to multitask while driving. According to Greenfield, this behavior is one driven by addiction.
“There is a psychological mechanism where (people in general) deny the fact that this one instance will not be dangerous,” said Greenfield, expounding on why he believes texting and driving is a form of addiction. “That is a complete cognitive distortion. And this flies in the face of the fact that they know intellectually that it’s dangerous.
Meanwhile, AT&T has released its own app called DriveMode in an effort to discourage drivers from texting behind the wheel. The app turns off text message alerts, and turns on whenever a driver exceeds 15 mph. It would then turn back off shortly after a driver stops or idles. Once on, DriveMode sends automatic replies to text and picture messages, saying that the recipient is currently driving.