Phone-Driving On The Rise

The percentage of Icelanders who never use the phone while driving has stayed the same, while the percentage of Icelanders who use their phones to call, text or browse online while driving has increased.

According to a new poll from Market and Media Research, the percentage of Icelanders who admit to talking on their phones (without a hands-free device) while driving went down, but most Icelanders still do it, going from 64% in 2014 to 56% today.

For all other forms of using a phone while driving – whether talking hands-free, texting, or browsing online – self-reported incidences increased. At the same time, there was virtually no change between 2014 and today in the percentage of Icelanders who say they have not used their phones in any of these ways while driving, at 21%.

The news should come as little surprise to those who’ve been following this story over the years. As reported, fines are ridiculously low for the offense, and while the practice can be found across demographics, to greatest perpetrators are middle-aged high-income men.

In case you needed reminding, texting, browsing or talking on your phone without a hands-free device is very dangerous. Whatever call, text, or Like on Facebook needs to be made can wait until you stop the vehicle.