Like longtime smokers, driver-texters know their behavior is dangerous. But it’s hard to quit.
In a new study, 18% of drivers said they “cannot resist the urge” to send or check messages while driving. A full 17% of 18-to-34-year-olds admitted to texting and driving “always or often.” Meanwhile, 7% of 35-to-54-year-olds admitted to the same, USA Today reports.
The survey of 904 drivers showed that drivers resist their more reasonable instincts in favor of texting.
“People are admitting that it’s dangerous to text and drive, but it’s still a behavior that people cannot shake,” said Jeff Cole, founder and director of the University of Southern California Annenberg Center for the Digital Future, which conducted the study along with Bovitz Inc.
Overall, 87% of respondents admitted that it’s dangerous to text or check e-mail while driving.
Forty-four states ban texting while driving, according to USA Today.
Check Out the Coolest Cars From the 2015 Detroit Auto Show
Acura introduces the new NSX at the (NAIAS) on January 12, 2015 in Detroit.Scott Olson—Getty ImagesThe Mercedes-Benz F 015 Coupe is presented during the media preview at the Cobo Arena on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Uli Deck—dpa/CorbisSmart shows off their Electric Drive Coupe during the media preview on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Scott Olson—Getty ImagesChevrolet unveils a new concept car bolt during a press preview on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Bao Dandan—Xinhua Press/CorbisThe Infinity Q60 concept car is displayed during the press preview on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Jewel Samad—AFP/Getty ImagesFord Motor Co., Executive Chairman Bill Ford, left, and President and COO Mark Fields stand next to the new Ford GT on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Carlos Osorio—APThe Honda Motor Co. UNI-CUB B personal mobility device is demonstrated on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Bloomberg/Getty ImagesToyota shows off their FT-1 concept car during the media preview on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Scott Olson—Getty ImagesThe Bentley GT Speed Convertible is displayed at the Mercedes exhibit on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Bill Pugliano—Getty ImagesHarkening back to the Sixties, the Touring Carrozzeria explores the idea of an Italian Barchetta merged with a British sports car in the MINI Superleggera Vision. Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Car Culture/CorbisLexus unveils its 2016 GS F during a press preview on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Bao Dandan—Xinhua Press/CorbisScheduled for release in 2016, the Infiniti Q60 Coupe will have a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in a stunning aluminum body on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Car Culture/CorbisAcura introduces the new NSX on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Scott Olson—Getty Images
