NU Online News Service, March. 2, 2:51 p.m. EST

Nineteen percent of drivers in a “pulse check” State Farm survey admitted to accessing the Internet on a cell phone at least once a week while driving, and 35 percent admitted to sending or receiving text messages while driving at least once a week.

The survey polled 912 drivers that had a valid driver’s license, reported driving at least one hour per week and owned a smart phone.

In addition to texting and accessing the Internet, 74 percent reported that they make or receive phone calls while driving at least once a week.

Of the 170 respondents who said they access the Internet while driving, State Farm said the top five situations in which they did so were:

• When stopped at a light.
• When stopped in traffic.
• While driving alone.
• While driving during daylight.
• On a long drive on the interstate.

State Farm said those five situations also were the top responses for drivers sending and reading texts and making or receiving phone calls.

As for what these drivers are doing while on the Internet in their cars, State Farm said the top five responses were:

• Finding/reading driving directions.
• Reading e-mail.
• Looking up specific information of immediate interest.
• Looking at social networking sites.
• Composing and sending emails.

Cindy Garretson, director of Auto Technology Research at State Farm, said in an emailed statement, “This survey reinforces the concern that many drivers are not getting the message about the dangers of distracted driving. The use of smartphones while driving is just one more distraction to add to the growing list. There’s much more to learn about this emerging trend, but our message to all drivers remains: keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and attention focused on the drive. Nothing on your smartphone is more important than arriving at your destination safely.”