AT&T is promoting stopping smartphone use while driving by sponsoring a virtual reality campaign to show how dangerous it is. New AT&T research shows that drivers are engaging in more forms of smartphone/iPhone use and claim a reason for the behavior is addiction.
AT&T’s new research revealed several types of smartphone use while driving. In fact, 7-in-10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving.
Texting and emailing are still the most prevalent use. Social media is also part of the smartphone use mix, Facebook tops the list, with more than a quarter of those polled using the app while driving. About 1-in-7 said they’re on Twitter behind the wheel.
The research showed:
- 62% keep their smartphones within easy reach while driving.
- 30% of people who post to Twitter while driving do it “all the time.”
- 22% who access social networks while driving cite addiction as a reason.
- Of the automobile video shooters 27% think they can do it safely while driving.
Smartphone activities people say they do while driving include:
- Text (61%)
- Email (33%)
- Surf the net (28%)
- Facebook (27%)
- Snap a selfie/photo (17%)
- Twitter (14%)
- Instagram (14%)
- Shoot a video (12%)
- Snapchat (11%)
- Video chat (10%)
AT&T will use the new survey findings to encourage people to “Keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone” . AT&T will launch a nationwide virtual reality tour this summer to help people understand that it’s not possible to drive safely while using a smartphone.
Twitter will collaborate with AT&T to share messages on their platform about the dangers of smartphone use behind the wheel.
Samsung, Bose and Google will support the immersive tour experience, which will be delivered through Samsung Gear VR, with premium sound from Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones.
There will also be a Google Cardboard experience to for people to use their own smartphones to see the 3D virtual reality program.
The National Safety Council estimates cell phone-related crashes have increased for the third consecutive year and now account for 27 percent of all crashes. The estimate includes crashes involving drivers who are texting or talking on handheld or hands-free cell phones.
The Council calculates its estimate based on a model that uses inputs from federal fatality data, observational data and research into the crash risks associated with various forms of cell phone use. Texting increases a driver’s crash risk at least eight times; drivers talking on either handheld or hands-free cell phones are four times as likely to crash.
AT&T’s Chris Penrose recently said that AT&T is working with eight automaker partners, including GM, Audi and Ford Motor, to provide Internet access. AT&T’s goal is to offer free or paid content exclusively for connected car users and sell more data. Hopefully the content will not distract the driver and also make driving safer.