From Texting to Even Sex: New Six-Country Survey Shows Driving Habits Worse Than Thought

NASHUA, N.H., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Seat belts, airbags, hands-free driving laws and devices – they're all designed for the benefit of a responsible driver.  But human behavior indicates we are anything but responsible on the roads.  New survey results, sponsored by Jabra, a world leader in innovative headset and in-car speakerphone solutions, show that despite technology to help keep both hands on the wheel, people are choosing to use their hands elsewhere while driving.  The most common harrowing activities include texting, eating, changing clothes, operating GPS systems, yelling at other drivers, and even performing sexual acts while driving.  To compound issues, only a small percentage (32%) of the survey respondents reported they're using a hands-free device, which is the law in many regions.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100525/NE10169 )

For commuters, some activities may seem time-saving, with 35 percent admitting that they have taken clothes off or put clothes on while the car is in motion and another 23% admitting to often styling their hair, but ultimately these acts are perilous, resulting in humiliating or more serious injuries.

The majority of respondents (72%) also admitted to eating food while driving, which might seem convenient with fast food and drive-throughs, but for others' safety it is important to keep both hands on the wheel, not the meal.

"It is truly unbelievable what people are doing while driving.  The results of our survey show that so many people are distracted and doing other things while on the road – even though they know the consequences that can occur," said Jonas Forsberg, General Manager North America, Mobile Division, GN Netcom, Inc.  "We are dedicated to increasing our efforts to encourage people to focus on the road and to use a hands-free headset or speakerphone if they want to talk or text while driving.  We hope that people will soon understand the implications of these bad behaviors and will change their own behavior accordingly."

Further survey findings include:

• 29% of respondents admitted to having kissed others while driving, whereas a smaller, but surprising number (15%) said they have performed sex or other sexual acts while driving
• 28% confirmed they have sent text messages while driving
• 13% reported they have applied makeup while driving
• 12% admitted to having written or read emails while driving
• 10% reported reading newspapers or magazines while driving
• 5% confessed to having played video games, and another 5% say that they have shaved while behind the wheel

Road rage in general appears to be a global issue, with 63 percent reporting that they yell at other motorists while driving – and the French appear to be the biggest offenders.  Young people (age 18-35) from all countries also appear to be engaging in bad driving behaviors with higher frequency, but at the same time don't feel that these activities are as dangerous as perceived by those who are older.  Across the board, the Japanese are the worst offenders when it comes to personal grooming while driving and electronic distractions like video games, movies, audio books, and music devices.  Alternatively, the British appear to be more safety oriented with the highest level of awareness around highly dangerous driving behaviors.

To learn more about the survey results and the driving behaviors examined, visit www.Jabra.com/DriveResponsibly for more information.  Jabra also has provided tips on ways to make the road safer and what to look for when purchasing a hands-free headset or speakerphone.  To purchase a Jabra hands-free device, go to www.Jabra.com/buy.

Survey Methodology

The results of the survey, underwritten by Jabra and conducted by Lindberg International, are based on responses from an online survey of 1,800 consumers between the ages of 18 and 65 with an equal number of respondents in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan.  Respondents were asked how often they performed specific activities while driving and how dangerous they consider the activities – the majority (75%) drives an average of 10 hours or less per week.  The survey was conducted over a period commencing April 6, 2010 and continuing through April 9, 2010.  The margin of error is +/- 2.1%.

About GN Netcom

Through its Jabra brand, GN Netcom is a world leader in innovative headset solutions. With around 850 employees and sales offices around the world, GN Netcom develops and markets a broad range of wireless headsets and in-car speakerphones for mobile users and both wireless and corded headsets for contact centre and office-based users. GN Netcom's business activities also include its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business. GN Netcom is a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S. 

For further information, please visit www.jabra.com.

© GN Netcom A/S.  All rights reserved. Jabra © is a registered trademark of GN Netcom A/S. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Jabra