A new study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at two types of distracted driving behaviors, including cell phone use while driving and reading or sending text or email messages while driving. The study found that 69% of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 talked on their cell phone while driving within 30 days before being surveyed whereas in the U.K., only 21% of drivers did so. Regarding reading and texting, in the U.S., 31% of drivers reported doing this, and in Spain, only 15% of drivers reported they did so.

CDC researchers analyzed data from two surveys, EuroPNStyles and HealthStyles, given in 2011.

Regarding what demographics are engaging in talking on a cell phone or reading or sending messages, the CDC study found no significant differences between men and women engaging in these behaviors. On an age-related basis, a higher percentage of men and women ages 25-44 reported talking on a cell phone than did those ages 55-64. Also, a higher percentage of 18-34 year-old men and women reported reading or sending text or e-mail messages while driving than did those ages 45-64.

As of Feb. 2013, a total of 33 states and the District of Columbia have laws in place that restrict use of mobile devices while driving.