Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Drivers Thwarting Safety Tech with Video Chat, Texting

Some 62% of drivers with adaptive cruise control say they read or send texts while driving as compared with just 49% of drivers without adaptive cruise control, according to a new survey from State Farm.

July 31, 2019
Drivers Thwarting Safety Tech with Video Chat, Texting

Nearly half of drivers are texting or using video chat when they have advanced safety technology engaged, according to a new State Farm study.

Photo via Amanda Mills/Freestockphotos.biz.

2 min to read


Some 62% of drivers with adaptive cruise control say they read or send texts while driving as compared with just 49% of drivers without adaptive cruise control, according to a new survey from State Farm.

The study also found that 42% of motorists with lane keeping assist engage in video chats while driving as compared with just 20% of drivers who don't have that technology in their vehicle.

Ad Loading...

While advanced driver assist features offer promising safety benefits, they are designed to work in conjunction with engaged driver behaviors. However, the survey authors conclude that drivers who actively use advanced safety tech in their vehicles are instead taking more risks with their own behaviors.

When it comes to adaptive cruise control, 56% of drivers who use it say they also interact with cell phone apps frequently or sometimes while behind the wheel versus 42% of drivers who don't use ACC. In addition, 52% of users say they manually enter a phone number while driving as compared with just 38% of non-users.

As for holding a phone while talking, 60% of users admit to doing so as compared with 50% of those who don't use adaptive cruise control. Finally, while some 39% of the users engage in video chatting behind the wheel just 19% of those who don't use it say they do so.

Drivers who use lane keeping assist are equally prone to falling into risky behavior patterns while operating their vehicles.

For example, 62% of users said they read or send texts while driving as compared with 51% of non-users of the technology. Some 54% of users said they interact with cell phone apps behind the wheel as compared with 44% of non-users.

Ad Loading...

While 56% of drivers with the technology admit to manually entering a phone number, only 38% of drivers without the technology say they do the same. When it comes to holding a phone while talking as they drive, 63% of drivers say they do so sometimes or frequently as compared with 51% of drivers without the technology.

More Safety

A black square with white color font text
SafetyJuly 2, 2026

From Silos to Solutions: Relationship Management for Safer Fleets

From telematics adoption and driver accountability to policy consistency and risk mitigation, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build a safer fleet culture without slowing business down.

Read More →
IIHS HLDI text overlaid on the trunks of pick up trucks.
Safetyby Chris BrownJuly 2, 2026

IIHS Launches First Commercial Vehicle Safety Evaluations

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has begun evaluating heavy-duty pickups and cargo vans for driver protection. Which models earned top marks?

Read More →
A blue and white Automotive Fleet podcast logo
SafetyJuly 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Hosted with the cofounder of Lifesaver Mobile, this episode addresses phone use behind the wheel and how to design a driving environment that actually helps prevents accidents.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two people sit across from each other at a desk during a business meeting. One person, wearing a white shirt, has their hands folded while the other gestures with a pen toward documents clipped to a clipboard. Additional paperwork and a calculator are visible on the table, suggesting a discussion involving contracts, finances, or administrative paperwork. Sunlight filters through window blinds in the background, creating a professional office setting.
SponsoredJuly 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-Time Prevention (Part 2 of 2)

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

Read More →
An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail
SafetyJune 26, 2026

How 5-Second Telematics Data Is Changing Fleet Safety

This episode connects with Steve Santostasi of Ford Pro and covers how a few seconds of data can make a difference in fleet safety.

Read More →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →