Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

1 in 3 Drivers Type Texts or Email

Nearly 35% of drivers say they have typed a text message or email while driving, even though 95.6% agreed that the behavior is unacceptable, according to new findings from AAA.

by Staff
April 2, 2018
1 in 3 Drivers Type Texts or Email

Photo via Ellsworth Air Force Base.

2 min to read


Photo via Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Nearly 35% of drivers say they have typed a text message or email while driving, even though 95.6% agreed that the behavior is unacceptable, according to new findings from AAA.

In addition, most drivers (nearly 88%) said that distracted drivers are a bigger problem today than in pervious years, and distracted driving ranked as the top issue of growing concern among those surveyed.

Ad Loading...

The findings came from the AAA Foundation's 2017 Traffic Safety Culture Index that explores driver attitudes and behaviors to safety issues ranging from speeding and seat belt usage to distracted, drowsy and impaired driving. Data was collected from a sample of 2,613 licensed drivers aged 16 and up, who said they have driven in the past month.

Overall, the survey findings conclude that while drivers desire a safer driving experience, they continue to engage in behaviors they recognize as unsafe.

In fact, most drivers (89.3%) reported engaging in at least one of the risky behaviors examined in the survey at least once in the past 30 days. For example, while 92% said that driving through a red light when they could have stopped is unacceptable, 43% admitted to doing so.

Other key findings from the survey include:

  • In addition to distracted driving, respondents cited traffic congestion (74.5%), aggressive drivers (68.1%), drugged drivers (54.9%), and drunk driving (43.4%) as top issues of concern.

  • In the past month, some 60.5% of drivers talked on a hands-free cellphone while 49.1% talked on a hand-held cellphone.

  • Nearly 45% of drivers admitted to reading a text or email while behind the wheel.

  • While only 40.9% of those surveyed support a ban on all cellphone use while driving, the majority (87.6%) support legislation against all texting and emailing, and 73.4% support a ban on handheld cellphone use while driving.

  • Speeding is common, with half of drivers saying they drive 15 mph over the sped limit on freeways while 47.6% drive 10 mph over the limit on residential streets.

  • Over 95% of motorists view drowsy driving as an unacceptable behavior, yet over 30% admit to driving while seriously fatigued at some point in the previous month.

  • The majority of drivers (94.3%) consider driving after drinking alcohol a serious threat to their safety. Yet 20.7% admitted to driving when they thought they had consumed too much alcohol to drive safely.

  • There is very strong support (nearly 80%) for requiring all DWI offenders to use alcohol-ignition interlocks on their vehicles, even for first time offenders.

Ad Loading...

More Safety

Ambulance and damaged car at a crash scene on a rainy roadway, illustrating workplace transportation risks and the growing focus on road safety management for fleets.
SafetyJune 16, 2026

Managing Road Risk at Scale: Why Fleet Safety Needs a Data-Driven Framework

Insights from the FIA Road and Driver Safety Indexes reveal how to manage road risk on a larger scale.

Read More →
Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler front grille and headlight with text noting Stellantis’ recall of 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide over a potential fire risk tied to power steering wiring.
Safetyby StaffJune 10, 2026

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.

Read More →
Road signs pointing to “Safe” and “Risky” beside a glowing AI network graphic, illustrating the role of artificial intelligence in driver safety, coaching, training, and risk management.
SafetyJune 10, 2026

Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It

AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driver resting in a vehicle seat, illustrating the dangers of fatigue and the importance of driver wellness, rest, and alertness for safe fleet and roadway operations.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyJune 9, 2026

How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety

During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.

Read More →
A blue and red Automotive Fleet graphic calling for nominations for the fleet safety award.
Safetyby Faith HowellJune 4, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award

Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.

Read More →
wheel geotab image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person holding a clipboard and writing on an inspection checklist beside the wheel of a large white vehicle, likely conducting a fleet or safety inspection.
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention

Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.

Read More →
A Fleet Forward Conference graphic representing the safety symposium.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 29, 2026

NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference

The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.

Read More →
A person with hands on the steering wheel driving
Safetyby Judie NuskeyMay 15, 2026

The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle

Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Hail covers the windshield and hood of a black vehicle with text overlay about FLASH Weather AI’s new hail prediction model.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseMay 13, 2026

FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting

FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.

Read More →