ARE NW DRIVERS PUTTING DOWN THEIR PHONES?
48%
Illegal Phone Use
Nearly half of Northwest drivers admit to using their phone behind wheel even when they knew it was illegal.
36%
Close Calls
More than one-third of drivers say they’ve had a near-miss or close call because of their own distracted driving.
72%
How Serious Is It?
Nearly three-quarters of Northwest residents say illegal phone use while driving should be viewed as seriously as driving under the influence.
Knowing vs. doing
While 72% of Northwest residents believe illegal phone use while driving should be treated as seriously as driving under the influence, 48% of drivers admit they've used their phone behind the wheel even when they knew it was against the law.
The cost of distraction
Distracted driving isn't just a concern in theory. More than one-third of Northwest drivers (36%) say their own phone use or distraction behind the wheel has led to a near-miss or close call.
Taking the chance
Northwest drivers increasingly recognize the dangers of distracted driving. Just 19% say phone use behind the wheel isn't dangerous, down from 51% in a previous PEMCO poll. Yet among those who still use their phone while driving illegally, 35% say they do it because they don't think they'll get caught.
