CDC Study Finds Drivers More Distracted in U.S. Than Europe

A study published in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, found that mobile device use while driving is more common among drivers in the U.S. compared to drivers in Europe. European countries included Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the U.K. Drivers aged 18 to 64 were surveyed and the overall results show that about one in three drivers in the U.S. read or send text/e-mail messages while driving. In addition, the study found:

• 69% of U.S. drivers talked on their cell phone while driving within 30 days before they were surveyed compared to 21% of drivers from the U.K. 
• 31% of drivers in the U.S. reported that they had read or sent text messages or e-mails while driving, compared to 15% in Spain.
• Among U.S. drivers, there were no significant differences between men and women in terms of cell phone use or reading or sending text/e-mail messages while driving.

For more information and resources to help prevent distracted driving, visit CDC's website.