Are Cell Phones Only Distracting To "The Other Driver?"

LANSING -- (WWJ) Michigan drivers appear to believe that talking on a cell phone while driving is dangerous for everybody else.

VIDEO: State Police Distracted Driving PSA

The new study released by the state's Office of Highway Safety Planning says more than eighty percent of drivers believe talking on phones makes a crash more likely, but 56 percent admit to having cell phone conversations behind the wheel.

"It appears drivers are aware of the dangers of being distracted by cell phones and texting," said Michael L. Prince, the safety planning office's director. "But the ability and pressure to be constantly connected and available seem to trump traffic safety as motorists continue to talk and text while driving."

The study was released to coincide with the start of April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness month. The Michigan State Police have also released a new public service announcement that details the danger of distracted driving.

The survey was done by the Glengariff Group, inc, and can be viewed online.

It does show a consensus on the dangers of texting while driving. 96 percent of drivers feel that's dangerous, with 42 percent saying it's as dangerous as driving while drunk. About eight percent of drivers admitted to texting behind the wheel.

The study also showed that younger drivers were more likely to engage in distracted behavior.