College students’ prevalence and perceptions of text messaging while driving

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College students’ prevalence and perceptions of text messaging while driving

Harrison, Marissa A.

Highlights ► An analysis of college students’ self-reports revealed: ► A startling 91% of college student have texted while driving. ► Most have texted while driving passengers. ► Most have drifted into another lane while texting and driving. ► Most have driven >10MPH over the speed limit while driving.

Abstract By analyzing self-reports from sample of 91 college students from the United States who are frequent drivers, the present study examined the prevalence of text messaging (or “texting”) while driving and the incidence of recklessness and consequences that accompany this behavior. Analyses revealed that 91% of participants reported having used text messaging while driving, with many reporting doing so with passengers, including children, riding in their vehicles. Further, a substantial number of participants reported driving dangerously above the speed limit and drifting into other traffic lanes while texting, and many reported “sexting” and arguing via text messages while driving. However, these young drivers agreed that texting while driving is dangerous and should be illegal. These results and the limitations to the present study are discussed.