Driving to Distraction: A Serious Problem

U.S. drivers are more distracted than Europeans, for the most part. In 2011, market research firms surveyed drivers here and in seven European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the U.K. Drivers were asked whether, during the previous 30 days, they had talked on their cell phones, texted, or e-mailed while driving.

Nearly 70% of U.S. respondents said they had talked on their cell phones, compared with only about 20% of U.K. drivers. In the text/e-mail category, the U.S., Belgium, and Portugal all hovered at the 30% mark, whereas Spanish and British drivers generally kept their eyes on the road (about 15%).

Adapted from a Physician's First Watch article, published March 15, 2013.