Poll Shows Most U.S. Drivers Engage in Distracting Behaviors
NORWALK, CT - According to the poll, 86% of adults admitted to eating or drinking while driving, 59% talk on a non-hands-free cell phone, 41% set or adjust a GPS device, and 37% send text messages.
NORWALK, CT – A new poll from Harris Interactive and HealthDay shows Americans admit to a wide range of behaviors that distract them while driving. According to the poll, 86% of adults admitted to eating or drinking while driving, 59% talk on a non-hands-free cell phone, 41% set or adjust a GPS device, and 37% send text messages.
Other common distractions include: reading a map (36%, 10% percent do it often or sometimes); combing/styling hair (one in five drivers acknowledged doing this at least once; nearly 1 in 10 does it more regularly); applying makeup (14% have done this at least once, 7% say they do it frequently); surfing the Internet (13% have done so while driving, 9% do it often/sometimes); watching videos (on a mobile device or in-board system, 7% say they do this "often or sometimes").
The survey also showed that although drivers agree that distracting behaviors are dangerous, many still engage in them.
"The number of drivers who engage in potentially dangerous, in some cases extremely dangerous, behaviors while driving is terrifyingly high, particularly when you remember that every 1 percent of drivers polled represents more than one-and-three-quarters of a million people," said Humphrey Taylor, chairman of The Harris Poll.
The poll included 2,810 U.S adults over age 18 who were surveyed online between November 10 to 14, 2011, by Harris Interactive and HealthDay.
More Safety

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 →
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 →
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 →
Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award
Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
