Are You a Distracted Driver?

According to a recent study by the American Automobile Association, 46 percent of all teenage drivers admit to text messaging while driving, while 51 percent admit to talking on the cell phone while driving

Additionally, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that some 3,092 people were killed in 2010 from “distracted-affected” crashes, that’s 9.4 percent of all road deaths.

The NHTSA survey also found that drivers 18 – 20 years of age showed the highest level of phone involvement in crashes or near-crashes, with drivers that age three times more likely to read or send emails while driving than those who are 25 years or older.

But if you think this means it's time to shake your finger at teens, think again: According to those teens surveyed, 41 percent said they had seen their parents driving and texting in recent months. And 77 percent agreed with the statement that adults text while driving “all the time.”

New York’s Distracted Driving Law fines residents $150, if you’re pulled over by a police officer and cited for using a cell phone while driving. But none of that seems to matter, because the number of drivers who do it continues to climb.

On April 23 through April 29, 2012, Governor Andrew Como conducted a crackdown sweep, the state’s second, on drivers who use handheld cell phones and text message while driving and caught 150 drivers in the first 12 hours. Cuomo also reported that more than 65,000 motorists have been busted for using handheld electronic devices so far in 2012.

The issue has also been addressed on a local level. At the , Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez urged residents to be mindful of their surroundings when driving, something that can be made diffucult if one is on their cellphone. 

"When crossing the street, and you're on the phone, or you're driving and you're on the phone, you're not paying attention to your surroundings," he continued. 

Are you a driver? Take our poll and tell us honestly how often you are tempted to using your cell phone (either texting or talking) while driving.