Davis Law Group, P.S.

Study Uncovers Teens Using Phone Applications While Driving

In a recent study done by University of Alabama at Birmingham, it was found that one-third of college students use mobile phone applications while they are driving. It was also uncovered that they continue doing these dangerous practices after being involved in car accidents while using mobile phone applications.

The survey consisted of 93 college students who have internet-based applications on their smart phones. The requirement was also that they use the apps at least four times a week.
Of those surveyed, ten percent of the students admit that they “often,” “almost always” or “always” use mobile apps while driving. One-third said they “sometimes” use the apps while driving.

The study researcher Lauren McCartney says that science has been unable to keep up with the effect of mobile app use while driving since technology is developing so rapidly.

"But something needs to be done because in psychological terms, Internet use involves substantial cognitive and visual distraction that exceeds talking or texting, making it much more dangerous," McCartney added.

An online survey of 4,816 people illustrated that nearly 60 percent of teenagers 16 to 19 years old admitted to texting while driving.

The findings of the research study will be present by McCartney at the 119th American Psychological Association convention held in Washington, D.C.