Poll: Most U.S. Adults Support Banning Cell Phone Use While Driving

NU Online News Service, Jan. 4, 1:21 p.m. EST

Most U.S. adults support a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones while driving, according to a new IBOPE Zogby poll.

The poll of 2,099 adults finds that 64 percent support the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendation for a nationwide ban on the non-emergency use of personal-electronic devices while driving, with 41 percent saying they "strongly agree" with the recommendation.

Twenty-two percent of respondents say they strongly disagree.

The poll comes days after several risk managers told NU Online News Service that they would support such a ban.

The American Insurance Association has also said it supports the NTSB's recommendation.

However, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced on Dec. 22 that he would not back a nationwide ban, saying he supports using hands-free devices while driving instead.

The IBOPE Zogby poll shows more women than men strongly support a ban (49 percent of women versus 31 percent of men).

Adults 65 and older are also more likely to strongly support a ban (58 percent) than younger adults (34 percent for both the 18-29 and 30-49 age groups).

Broken down by political affiliation, 59 percent of adults identifying themselves as Democrats strongly support a ban compared to just 33 percent of independents and 27 percent of Republicans.

Commenting on the poll, Daniel DeVries, IBOPE Zogby communications and media manager, says, "I think the numbers show some strong support almost universally, with the only major variations really appearing when it comes to age. Unsurprisingly, young people who grew up in a time of widespread cell use are more likely to disagree with the NTSB recommendation."