The Pew Research Center conducts polls, public opinion research and national surveys on a variety of subjects. One of their recent reports, Adults and Cell Phone Distractions, revealed that older cell phone users are just as likely as teens to text or talk while driving. The study points to the fact that drivers using phones are four times more likely to cause a crash as other drivers. The problem is so systemic that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 alone distracted driving caused 5,870 fatalities and an estimated 515,000 injuries.

Below we have listed some of the key statistics from the study.

• 47% of texting adults say they have sent or read a text message while driving. Only 34% of teens aged 16-17 say they have texted while driving.
• 75% of adults who use a cell phone report talking on the phone while driving. That compares with just half of cell-owning teens who reported talking while driving.
• 49% of all adults say they have been in a car when the driver was sending or reading a text message. Men and women are equally as likely to say they have been in a car when the driver was texting.
• 44% of all adults say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put themselves or others in danger. Aside from texting and talking on the phone while driving, web browsing, video watching, picture-taking and gaming may also distract a driver.

The accident attorneys at Hupy & Abraham hope that the information provided here will make you think twice before texting or talking on the phone while driving. Both are dangerous distractions that cause many serious injuries and deaths in Green Bay and across Wisconsin. Please concentrate on the road, and if you must talk, pull over in a safe location.