Across the nation, distracted driving is a growing threat to traffic safety. In 2008, 5,870 people died and another 515,000 people were injured in police-reported crashes in which driver distraction was listed as a cause, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The proportion of fatal accidents associated with distracted driving increased from 11 percent in 2004 to 16 percent in 2008, according to federal statistics.
The dangers of driving and talking on a cell phone or sending text messages have received attention with some states acting to ban certain activities while driving. It is unlawful in the State of Connecticut to use a hand held cell phone while driving a motor vehicle. Other secondary tasks such as eating, drinking and talking with passengers also can cause distractions.
A 2007 national survey found that 81 percent of people ages 16 and older have a wireless phone in the vehicle while they are driving. The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers is the under-20 age group. Sixteen percent of drivers under 20 in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving. Text messaging appears to be a growing problem with more and more people texting while driving. Connecticut has banned texting while driving. However, just like Connecticut drivers continue to use their cell phones while driving so do people continue to text and drive.