People recognise that texting and driving poses a risk, yet are still prepared to do it.
We all know it's irresponsible to text when driving – it takes our attention from the road and means we're not as alert as we should be. However, it seems we just can't resist the urge to pick up our phones and quickly send a message, with pulling over and stopping the car seemingly too much of an inconvenience for us.
New research from the US has shown that four out of five college student drivers have used their mobiles to send or receive texts while at the wheel, despite knowing that doing so can pose real dangers.
Published in the International Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management, the study from King's College in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania also revealed it is men who are the most likely to text when driving. However, guys believe it is usually okay for them to do this because they think of themselves as great drivers who are not likely to put themselves or others in danger because they are using their phone.
The team noted: "There seems to be a mentality that use of electronic devices is dangerous for everyone but 'me'."
It therefore seems it is up to us, as drivers, to make sure we are more responsible on the road and not let our high opinions of our driving disguise the fact we are behaving in a way that can endanger not only ourselves, but other road users and pedestrians.
The report found that 'texting impulsiveness' is positively associated with individuals who text often and do so when driving. The authors noted: "If further research conclusively demonstrates that texting while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, this study suggests that a promotional campaign should be undertaken to assure that this point is clearly understood."
Drivers may therefore find that a lot more emphasis is placed on texting while driving in future, with greater effort put in to making sure this practice is stamped out once and for all.
By Perry Murray