Survey: 66% of Americans Chow Down Behind the Wheel

Some 55% of Americans confess to using their mobile phone while behind the wheel, according to a recent survey from Compare the Market.

When it comes to just who tends to use their cell phones while driving, the survey results are surprising. While 63% of those aged 25-34 said they do so, the younger cohort — ages 18-24 — are less likely to do so, with only 41% reporting they use a cell phone when driving.

When cell phone users were asked what apps they were most likely to use behind the wheel, the majority — 67% — favored navigation apps. Some 55% of Americans also said they will look to text after checking their route. In addition, 43% say they use music apps like Spotify when driving, and 30% engage in social media, while 20% admit to using email.

The survey also explores other distracted and risky behaviors that people engage in during driving.

By far the top bad driving habit was eating behind the wheel. An alarming 66% of Americans admit to refueling their bodies on the go — when their hands should be on the wheel. While eating in a vehicle is not technically illegal in America, it can result in fines if the behavior causes a collision.

Speeding ranked second as the most common bad habit drivers engage in, with 47% reporting they drive over the speed limit. Sending texts ranked third (40%). In addition, 34% of U.S. drivers admit to failing to use a seatbelt and 25% confess to running a red light.

Distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,142 Americans in 2020 alone according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).