Multitasking Behind the Wheel: a Scary Reality - Persuadable Research Corporation

Ten and Two. That’s where your hands should be on the steering wheel at all times. However, many drivers do not follow these rules. Long boring commutes, or rushing from place to place, presses many of us into eating, grooming or engaging in behaviors that we know could be risky. A recent Persuadable Research Survey shows just how many of us are multitasking while driving.

What tops the list of activities while driving? Eating. A whopping 59% of us eat while driving. It makes sense as to why there are so many drive-through restaurants and why they are doing so well. Americans have hectic schedules and have adopted a convenience culture that causes many of us to eat on the road.

Talking on the phone is quite popular among panelists, with 53% admitting to doing so while driving. Many of us talk to pass the time, make plans or conduct business. According to a variety of sources, Americans spend an average of 2.5 to 3 hours a day in their car. It makes sense for many of us to use that time to get more done besides just driving, even if it is illegal in some states.

Texting while driving is clearly dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, texting while driving causes 1,6000,000 accidents per year. Even so, 28% of our panelists confess to texting while driving. Not surprisingly, younger people text and drive more than older people. Almost half, 43%, of those from 18 to 39 text and drive, while 33% of those over 40 do the same. Perhaps, more alarming is the 16% who surf the web while they drive.

Some choose to groom while driving as well. Almost one out of five, 19%, say that they have put make-up on, shaved or fixed their hair while driving.

It’s clear that Americans are distracted drivers. Multitasking while operating a motor vehicle is a risky combination. What’s the solution? Some say hands-free talking is safer. Perhaps, some time management is in order. Some may even consider moving closer to work to cut down on commute times or taking public transportation. Unfortunately, the reality is that “just driving” is boring for those who spend hours a day in traffic. Until there is a self-driving car, we will have to commit to safer driving habits for ourselves and each other.