I think it is safe to say, and insurance premiums will back me up, that young adults tend not to be some of the best drivers on the road. Unfortunately, some young adults are impairing their ability even more by using a mobile phone while driving. If that wasn’t bad enough some are even text messaging their friends while behind the wheel

A new survey by FindLaw.com has found that nearly half of drivers between 18 and 24 have sent a text message, instant message or e-mail while driving. 48% of that same age category admitted to the risky act while only 27% of drivers between 25 and 34 have done it. Other “Driving While Texting” offenders include 11% of those between the age of 45-54.

Now once you hit above age 54 the statistics drop considerably. Only 2% of those between 55 and 64 and 1% of those over 65 have admitted to the act. Overall, 17% of adults have stated they have sent a text message while driving. So, the survey for the large part proves that the younger you are, the more likely you will be to text someone rather than pay attention to the road.

Read more from the FindLaw.com press release.

Brian’s Opinion
This is a pretty scary survey when you consider that it has a margin of error of only plus-or-minus three percent. It’s no wonder you have the states of Alaska, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington passing laws that specifically have penalties for the act of texting while driving. Heck, thirteen other states may pass their own similar laws.

I like to think of texting like smoking. Cigarettes are hard to put down when you are addicted to them and so are mobile phones and blackberry handhelds. Yet, driving is a pretty important thing to be paying attention to instead.

The message here is put down the cell phone and drive for Pete’s sake. If you have to communicate while driving then get a hands-free device. If you just simply must text or email someone then take advantage of voice recognition technology.

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