Add Shopping to List of Dangerous Habits of Drivers in 2019
Distractions behind the wheel come in many forms — there’s adjusting the radio, yelling at the kids in the backseat, eating, messing with the temperature controls, and of course, the most problematic driving behavior of all — texting. Now, smartphone usage is getting a holiday spin, as more and more drivers are using their time on the road to get in a little (or a lot) of holiday shopping.
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According to Fast Company writer Zlati Meyer, “Close to two out of every five of Americans have shopped on their mobile devices while behind the wheel. That’s 39 percent, up from 35 percent in 2018, according to a new Harris Poll conducted for Root Insurance.”
And drivers aren’t just hitting pay now on their phones, they’re actually browsing, looking at sale specials and searching for ways to save money on their purchases, all the while taking their attention off the road and putting themselves, their passengers and everyone else on the road in danger.
“The data found that 46 percent of those admitted to driving while shopping reported that they were browsing during the holiday season, while 45 percent said they were checking the status of an order, 40 percent were looking into the availability of an in-store item, 36 percent were hunting for coupons or deals, and 33 percent were making purchase at checkout,” Meyer reports.
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If you’re tempted to shop while driving or use your cellphone while driving, it’s best to keep temptation locked away. Put your phone in your bag, in your lockbox or in the center console — anywhere that makes accessing it impossible while you’re behind the wheel.
News Source: Fast Company
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