MSN Carpoint.com Fast Facts survey reveals 47% of consumers support banning handheld cell phone use while driving
The MSN CarPoint Market Update, the most visited car-buying and car-ownership site on the Web, today announced the key findings of its June 2001 survey, revealing that 47% of respondents feel that operating a cellular phone while driving without a hands-free accessory should be illegal.
The MSN Carpoint.com Fast Facts survey found that while 62% of those surveyed have not used a hands-free accessory, 54% would be willing to use one. In addition, 25% of respondents classified their level of cellular phone use while driving as moderate to high, and 25% said that using a cellular phone while driving has caused them to lose their concentration on the road. Twenty-eight percent of consumers indicated that they felt they have been put at risk of being in a crash as the result of another person using a cellular phone while driving. Ironically, 99% of the respondents said they have never been in or caused a crash while using a cellular phone.
"In a matter of seconds, a distracted driver can put himself or herself and others at risk," said Ann Job, consumer editor of Carpoint.com. "It's encouraging that so many consumers recognize this danger and are interested in hands-free accessories. But ultimately, the best way to lower the risk of distractions is for the driver to concentrate fully on the road."
When asked to classify the most distracting activities they have performed while driving, 64% picked changing their clothes, followed by applying make-up or shaving and reading or writing.
New York recently became the first state to outlaw the use of hand-held cellular phone use while driving, and 41 other states are considering similar legislation aimed at reducing the number of accidents.
MSN Carpoint.com Fast Facts is a monthly online survey conducted via Carpoint.com that provides consumers with feedback on car-related topics. The June 2001 survey was derived from a sample of more than 850 Carpoint.com users.
About Carpoint
Launched in October 1995, Carpoint (http://www.carpoint.com/) is the leading online automotive marketplace, visited by more than seven million consumers each month. From product reviews and surround video features to new- and used-car pricing, Carpoint helps consumers find the car they love, at a price they can afford. With details on more than 10,000 car models and 100,000 used vehicles, visitors can research and compare cars of virtually every make and model, identify local dealers, and receive instructions for post-purchase service and maintenance. With a network of more than 5,000 affiliated dealers nationwide, Carpoint generates more than $8 billion in auto sales each year and is exclusively endorsed by the American International Automobile Dealers Association.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.
Source: Carpoint