A new study finds that one in five people admitted to driving while distracted in the past year.
The latest Desjardins survey found that 79 per cent of those surveyed said they see others using a smartphone while behind the wheel of a vehicle, but only 38 per cent admitted to actually doing it.
Smartphone-related distracted driving was more common with younger drivers.
11 per cent of those between the ages of 16 and 24 said they had used their phone while in the driver’s seat.
Smartphones were just one reason for distracted driving–others include focusing on passengers or children in the vehicle, changing settings on the radio, and eating or drinking.
For those who said they don’t drive while distracted, 55 per cent were most concerned about the fines they could face and higher insurance rates.
37 per cent said the risk of getting into a car accident was the reason for them making the right choice to not drive distracted.