Survey finds half of Philly drivers read texts and emails while driving
A quarter of respondents say they use social media like Twitter and Facebook while driving.
As part of Travelers Every Second Matters campaign, today the company will host a symposium, “Harnessing Science, Tech and Innovation to Combat Distracted Driving,” at the University of Pennsylvania to address the behavioral science behind distracted driving and explore research-driven approaches to improve roadway safety.
At the symposium, Travelers experts will discuss the results of their recent study on mobile devices and driving. Travelers researchers surveyed 435 Philadelphia drivers and found that 75% use a mobile device while driving, with 91% of millennials, 79% of Gen Xers and 64% of baby boomers engaging in this behavior.
Travelers teamed up with UPenn’s Behavioral Science and Analytics for Injury Reduction Lab, the Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, the Penn Injury Science Center, Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Injury Research and Prevention to put on the symposium.
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What’s distracting drivers?
The survey also identified how drivers in the region are using mobile devices while behind the wheel. Top activities included:
- Reading texts or emails — 48%
- Updating or checking social media, such as Facebook or Twitter — 23%
- Recording video — 18%.
“Crashes caused by people choosing to look at their phone rather than the road are entirely preventable,” Michael Klein, Executive Vice President and President, Personal Insurance at Travelers said in a statement.
“Technology like a ‘Do Not Disturb’ function on your phone, which only 9% of our survey respondents said they use, is one solution that can help more drivers stay focused. Distracted driving remains a significant danger in Philadelphia and across the country, underscoring the importance of education, research and action.”
When it comes to preventing driver distraction, the Travelers survey found that the greatest deterrent for all ages (40%) comes from the fear of causing a collision. This ranked higher than having a loved one involved in a collision related to distracted driving, having the option to utilize mobile device blocking technology, and legislation prohibiting phone use.
Related: Distracted driving by the numbers