BACKGROUND: Texting has become popular, particularly among young adults. Texting while driving has been identified as a factor in accidents. Literature is lacking about the overall attitudes and utilization of texting. PURPOSE: Understand attitudes and behaviors surrounding texting. METHODS: A survey to evaluate attitudes and behaviors concerning texting was developed in conjunction with a social scientist. The survey (2009) was administered to university freshmen via an anonymous, web based program. The study was approved by the IRB. RESULTS: 426 university freshmen completed the survey. 67% reported texting was more useful than speaking by phone. 53% report they text more than 50 times per day. 24% report they text more than 100 times per day. 73% report they text while driving, though only 9% responded they do so frequently. 92% believe texting affects their concentration while driving. 84% reported they are passengers when the driver texts and 75% report they do not feel safe in the car when the driver is texting. 77% disagreed with the statement "It is no big deal to text while driving." 53% reported they can not safely text and drive and 60% agreed texting while driving should be illegal. 92% reported texting was less safe then talking on the cell phone while driving. CONCLUSIONS: Texting is commonly used by young adults, though many believe texting while driving decreases concentration and is unsafe. A majority report to texting while driving. Injury prevention and awareness programs are needed to decrease this behavior.
BACKGROUND: Texting has become popular, particularly among young adults. Texting while driving has been identified as a factor in accidents. Literature is lacking about the overall attitudes and utilization of texting. PURPOSE: Understand attitudes and behaviors surrounding texting. METHODS: A survey to evaluate attitudes and behaviors concerning texting was developed in conjunction with a social scientist. The survey (2009) was administered to university freshmen via an anonymous, web based program. The study was approved by the IRB. RESULTS: 426 university freshmen completed the survey. 67% reported texting was more useful than speaking by phone. 53% report they text more than 50 times per day. 24% report they text more than 100 times per day. 73% report they text while driving, though only 9% responded they do so frequently. 92% believe texting affects their concentration while driving. 84% reported they are passengers when the driver texts and 75% report they do not feel safe in the car when the driver is texting. 77% disagreed with the statement "It is no big deal to text while driving." 53% reported they can not safely text and drive and 60% agreed texting while driving should be illegal. 92% reported texting was less safe then talking on the cell phone while driving. CONCLUSIONS: Texting is commonly used by young adults, though many believe texting while driving decreases concentration and is unsafe. A majority report to texting while driving. Injury prevention and awareness programs are needed to decrease this behavior.