New study finds the problem: Parents are texting with kids in car
Almost 90 percent of parents of children aged 1 to 12 say they engaged in at least one technology-based distraction while driving with their child in the past month. Most drivers engaged in four distractions while driving, according to the study from the University of Michigan.
The distracting behaviors were talking on the phone (including hands-free), texting or surfing the Internet, self-care such as grooming or eating, helping a child by picking up a toy or feeding the child, getting directions from a map or navigation system, and changing a CD or DVD.
Parents were also asked about their own and their childrens seat belt use. Not surprisingly, parents who said they always wear a seat belt were much more likely to say their child always uses an age-appropriate restraint. Ethnic minority parents were significantly less likely to report that their child always uses the appropriate restraint than white parents, regardless of education, income and the childs age.
Parents were surveyed while their children were being treated at two Michigan emergency rooms, not necessarily after a car accident.
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