Ford conducts survey on cell phone texting while driving

September 25, 2009

Ford Motor Company and Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates conducted a new study on cell phone texting while driving. 86 percent of drivers described doing it as perilous. The results were release on September 25.

“Research shows that activity that draws drivers’ eyes away from the road for an extended period [of time] while driving, such as text messaging, substantially increases the risk of accidents," said Jim Vondale, director of Ford's Automotive Safety Office.

While 93 percent support banning texting while on the road. Ironically, only 42 respondents believe drivers will stop their habit when it’s actually banned by law. Others say hands-free or voice-activated equipments can influence people to follow.

Drivers consider these technologies safer alternative compared to texting while driving. There are currently almost 80 percent of accidents caused by this issue in the country.

Ford carried out the survey to understand the drivers’ point of view towards distracted driving. The company endorsed their proposal of nationwide banning on texting while driving. Senator Charles Schumer and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy introduced it.

According to the study, drivers are confused over existing state laws prohibiting use of cell phone while driving. “A growing number of drivers are using handheld wireless communications and [music players] while driving,” said Dr. Louis Tijerina, Ford senior technical specialist. “Research clearly shows that manual operation of those devices that takes the driver's eyes from the road for an extended period of time creates the kind of distraction that causes accidents.”