New Poll Reveals High-Rate Of Teens Still Text & Drive
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - When it comes to texting behind the wheel, we've heard the dangers again and again, but apparently the warnings are not sinking in.
A new poll shows young drivers are not putting down their phones.
Texting while driving is illegal, potentially deadly and yet, many drivers still do it.
A new nationwide survey conducted by an independent research firm for AT&T shows virtually all teenagers agree that texting while driving is dangerous. However, nearly half admit they do it anyway.
"I've had friends who completely take their hands off the wheel, then will text and I take the wheel from them," Monica Khan said.
"I think it's because it doesn't really feel dangerous when you're doing it. You feel like you are still in control, but you're not really," Cody Latimer said.
The results are discouraging to law enforcement, who are working hard to educate and crack down on distracted drivers.
"All it takes is that one second when you cross over that line for a car to be coming the other way and the next thing you know you have a head-on collision, so people really need to be careful," Pittsburgh Police Cmdr. Scott Schubert said.
It's a bad habit and a tough habit to break. But the new statewide texting ban is helping.
However, officers said more needs to be done especially when it comes to teens.
They need to realize just how quickly a crash can happen.
"Just imagine going out on the roadway and drive 60 mph, close your eyes for six seconds and see what happens. That's kind of what's going on when you are texting and driving," Cmdr. Schubert said.
The survey also mentioned the high number of teens who see their parents texting behind the wheel.
"Nothing is that important where you have to text back and forth and cause yourself and others danger on the roadway. It can wait until you stop or you can pull off to the side of the road to do it, It's just not worth it," Cmdr. Schubert said.
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