Drivers using social media behind the wheel: Study

Instagram can wait until you’re off the roads. Photo Credit: Mike McIntee

Drivers are taking social media to a whole new level as a new study shows they not only text, but also use Facebook, take selfies and surf the web at an alarming rate while driving.

The poll by AT&T released Tuesdayshows that 4 in 10 drivers with smartphones log into social media, 3 in 10 surf the web, and 1 in 10 video chat. Overall 7 in 10 people use their smartphones while driving.

The poll surveyed 2,067 smartphone users nationwide who drive everyday.

Due to the spike in cell phone usage while driving, AT&T will expand its “It Can Wait” campaign, which encourages drivers to focus on the road and not their phones. The movement offers the option of the AT&T Drive Mode app, which helps silence incoming messages and call while someone is behind the wheel.

“When we launched It Can Wait five years ago, we pleaded with people to realize that no text is worth a life,” said Lori Lee, AT&T’s global marketing officer in a statement. “The same applies to other smartphone activities that people are doing while driving. For the sake of you and those around you, please keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone.”