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Strategy Analytics: Smartphone Texting While Driving Rampant


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BOSTON--March 8, 2011: Distracted driving is an issue for many smartphone owners in the US and Western Europe, as they report widespread use of texting while driving. The Strategy Analytics Automotive Consumer Insights (ACI) report, "Widespread Use of SMS and Email While Driving," shows that 38% of US smartphone owners and 40% of smartphone owners in Western Europe, compose text messages while driving on a daily basis; while 40% in the US and 42% in Western Europe read at least one text message while driving each day. These numbers are nearly double the rate for owners of basic and feature phones.

“Widespread Use of SMS and Email While Driving”

In the US, mobile email is also a source of driver distraction, as 25% of smartphone owners read emails daily while driving and 40% admit to writing emails each day behind the wheel.

"Research shows that tasks that take the driver's eyes off the road for as little as 2 seconds increase crash risk," commented Chris Schreiner, Director of the Automotive Consumer Insights service at Strategy Analytics. "Legislation banning texting is not likely to eliminate the behavior, so consumers need safer alternatives in the vehicle."

Kevin Nolan, Vice President of the User Experience Practice added "Speech recognition, when designed optimally, has been shown to mitigate effects of driver distraction. Vehicles which provide email and SMS functionality by voice can make drivers safer on the roads."

About Strategy Analytics

Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides timely and actionable market intelligence focused on opportunities and disruptive forces in the areas of Automotive Electronics and Entertainment, Broadband Connected Home, Mobile & Wireless Intelligent Systems and Virtual Worlds. Headquartered in Boston, MA, with offices in the UK, France, Germany, Japan, S. Korea and China, Strategy Analytics works with clients through annual multi-client services, management team workshops and custom consulting engagements. For more information, please visit Strategy Analytics.