More than Half of CT Teens Text, Use Cell Phones, While Driving

More than 53 percent of Connecticut's teens text or email while they drive and 51 percent talk on their cell phones while behind the wheel, a new study has found.

While 2011 Connecticut School Health Survey, administered by the state's Department of Health, shows encouraging downward trends since 1997 in drinking and driving by teens, the results include "emerging concerns" in teens' behavior when they mix driving and electronic devices.

You can view a fact sheet of the study above or click here

The survey is taken of thousands of high school students across the state an this was the first time it included questions about distracted driving, a decision that resulted from the increased use of cell phones by teens, the report states.

“The school health survey findings show that many of our young drivers engage in behaviors that put them at even greater risk when they get behind the wheel,” said Jewel Mullen, Connecticut's public health commissioner. “Parents, educators, and peers can use the survey findings to start conversations with young drivers about the potentially devastating consequences of dangerous driving activities and how to stay safe on the road. The findings also serve as an important reminder for adults to set a good example by driving safely and responsibly.”

The study found that some risky behaviors by teens are still prevalent. For instance, almost 10 percent of high school students reported that they rarely or never wear a seat belt as a passenge, and 1 out of every 4 students reported that they recently rode in a car with a driver who had been drinking.

One of out every 10 high school seniors also reported that they had driven a vehicle in the past month after having consumed alcohol.

The study also found a correlation between teens who engage in risky behaviors and school performance. Teenagers who reported that they earned failing or near-failing grades in school were also twice as likely to smoke cigarettes and marijuana and more likely as well to drink liquor.