The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that 80 percent of all auto crashes in the U.S. are attributed to DWD (Driving While Distracted). These distractions include applying makeup, text messaging, or changing clothes. Nationwide Mutual Insurance recently polled 1,200 Americans on their driving distractions.

According to the survey, 83 percent of those polled believe they are safe drivers and 50 percent do not consider themselves distracted drivers, yet 73 percent talk on cell phones while driving.

"We are a nation of people with too much to do and too little time. In fact, more than 80 percent of drivers surveyed identified themselves as multi-taskers," said Bill Windsor, associate vice president of Safety at Nationwide. "However, driving requires significant attention. Multitasking while behind the wheel poses a threat to you and your fellow drivers."

Other key findings indicated that 35 percent of Gen Y-ers are apt to multi-tasking in the car, followed by 30 percent of Gen X-ers, and 21 percent for baby boomers. Sixty-two percent of respondents use drive-thru services at least once a week, which indicates many are driving while eating meals.

The poll also asked about the common American practice of road rage. Southerners are guilty of this behavior most of all (26 percent), closely followed by those living in the Northeast (25 percent). Twenty-one percent of Westerners admitted to having road-rage issues.

Food and technology are the two major sources of distraction on the road. Seventy-three percent of Gen Y-ers eat snacks in the car, and 37 percent use text messaging.

One-third of the respondents said they engage in their distracting behavior regardless of weather conditions.

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Special Reports /

Americans Driving While Distracted?

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