Rochester, N.Y. – Drivers in and around Rochester distracted themselves with their cell phones more often than drivers in many other places in the country, according to a new study released by the Ad Council of Rochester.
Around 800 people took a survey which asked them if they’ve driven while talking on their cell phone or texting.
“Many knew it was dangerous, but they still have the bad behavior … 25 percent said they sent a text message while they were driving,” said Todd Butler, CEO of the Ad Council of Rochester.
The percentage topped numbers from similar studies conducted in other cities.
Butler does not know why Rochester drivers are frequent offenders, but thinks it may stem from its educated population.
“If you’re more educated, you’re more likely to have a professional job … leads to the expectation that you’ll be connected … 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Butler said.
Alongside the survey, the study monitored several intersections and logged how many people were using their phone.
At the intersection of W. Henrietta Rd. and Jefferson Ave. one in five drivers was seen using their phones during rush hour.
The Ad Council of Rochester says it will follow this study with a campaign to get people to hang up and drive.
