A survey by Volvo with the Harris Poll has found that more than 50% of motorists consider distracted drivers to be the biggest threat on road, while more than 90% of motorists admitted to talking on their phone while driving.

The survey was conducted online last June also found that the Gen Xers are the biggest offenders. This survey included responses from more than 2,000 adults aged 18 and older, with 1,665 of them being drivers.

There was also a follow-up study including 2015 adults, with 1,894 of these drivers. This study was undertaken to understand the importance of voice commands in vehicles.

In total, 55% of motorists consider distracted driving to be the biggest threat, which is much higher than the other usual road threats such as drunken driving (31%), aggressive driving (8%), or speeding (3%).

The survey found that 43% of motorists consider phones to be the top source of distraction.

“The survey found that 93% of the respondents admitted to talking on the phone while driving.”

It also analysed the generation most likely to use their phone while driving. Gen X and Millennials topped at 81%, followed by Young Boomers at 72%. Gen Z was found to be comparatively more focused on driving than their parents, with 71% of the drivers under this cohort using phones on roads.

According to the National Safety Council, at least nine people die and 100 are injured every day across the country due to distracted driving incidents.

Although distracted driving has been found to be the consequence of several vehicle collisions, more people die in accidents because of drink driving.

The US Department of Transportation figures show that around 30 people died every day in drunken driving accidents in 2017, which translates to one person every 48 minutes.

The survey found that 93% of the respondents admitted to talking on the phone while driving, while 74% said they had dialled a number. Around 60% of the drivers stated they send texts when driving, while 56% said that they check messages.