http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23413543

W V Med J. 2013 Jan-Feb;109(1):18-21.

Wr u txting b4 u crashed?

Buchanan L, Avtgis T, Gray D, Channel J, Wilson A.

Source

Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery Critical Care, Department of Surgery, WVU, Morgantown, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Texting has become popular, particularly among young adults. Texting while driving has been identified as a factor in accidents. Literature is lacking about the overall attitudes and utilization of texting.

PURPOSE:

Understand attitudes and behaviors surrounding texting.

METHODS:

A survey to evaluate attitudes and behaviors concerning texting was developed in conjunction with a social scientist. The survey (2009) was administered to university freshmen via an anonymous, web based program. The study was approved by the IRB.

RESULTS:

426 university freshmen completed the survey. 67% reported texting was more useful than speaking by phone. 53% report they text more than 50 times per day. 24% report they text more than 100 times per day. 73% report they text while driving, though only 9% responded they do so frequently. 92% believe texting affects their concentration while driving. 84% reported they are passengers when the driver texts and 75% report they do not feel safe in the car when the driver is texting. 77% disagreed with the statement "It is no big deal to text while driving." 53% reported they can not safely text and drive and 60% agreed texting while driving should be illegal. 92% reported texting was less safe then talking on the cell phone while driving.

CONCLUSIONS:

Texting is commonly used by young adults, though many believe texting while driving decreases concentration and is unsafe. A majority report to texting while driving. Injury prevention and awareness programs are needed to decrease this behavior.