More than two-thirds of American drivers still use a mobile phone while driving, according to a survey released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which signifies that efforts to curb the habit by authorities have not been effective.
The CDC reported 69 percent of U.S. drivers talked on their cellphone while driving within the previous month before they were surveyed, Agence France Press reports. Another 31 percent of drivers admitted they read or sent text messages or emails while driving.
American drivers use their phones in cars more than drivers in seven European countries whose governments have enacted bans. In Portugal, 59 percent of drivers reported using their phones. Other countries and the numbers reported include: Netherlands (48 percent), Belgium (46 percent), Spain (41 percent), France (40 percent), Germany (39 percent) and Britain (21 percent).
Among those who reported using their phones "regularly" or "often," the U.S. led with 28 percent of motorists, followed by Portugal and the Netherlands (20 percent), Belgium (16 percent) Spain (13 percent), France (10 percent), Germany (9 percent) and Britain (8 percent), the CDC reported.
The data is basically a screaming cry that "distracted driving" in the United States remains prevalent despite law enforcement efforts and safe driver education. Some 33 states and the U.S. capitol have laws in place restricting at least some teens or new drivers from using cellphones while driving; in 10 states, full bans are in effect.
"The cellphone can be a fatal distraction for those who use it while they drive," said CDC director Tom Frieden. "Driving and dialing or texting don't mix. If you are driving, pull over to a safe place and stop before you use your cellphone."
According to U.S. government data, 3,331 people were killed in crashes in 2011 involving a distracted driver, compared to 3,267 in 2010. The National Transportation Safety Board reports 18 percent of injury crashes in 2010 involved a distracted driver.
