The invention of the smartphone was undoubtedly a great technological advancement. For most people, the convenience a smartphone brings is a huge advantage. But being able to quickly access information and message friends instantly has a downside when used at the wrong time and place.

From browsing the internet and checking email to texting and accessing social media sites, smartphones let us do it all conveniently in the palm of our hand. But the truth of the matter is, this technology has proven a little too convenient. People of all ages can’t seem to turn away from their cell phones, even while driving. Unfortunately, this has led to too many needless motor vehicle accidents and fatalities.

According to a new AT&T survey, about 70 percent of surveyed drivers said they use their smartphones while driving, which includes using email, texting, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat—with the majority of respondents (61 percent) admitting to sending, reading, or replying to text messages behind the wheel. Some drivers even admitted to taking selfies, shooting videos, and conducting video chats while driving.

People Just Aren't Getting the Message

It’s shocking to learn that one in ten drivers video chat, three in ten surf the net and four in ten access their social media accounts while driving. It’s no surprise that Facebook tops the list with about one in seven drivers using the app while driving. Unfortunately, many drivers just can’t seem to put down their phones when behind the wheel, even though they know they are at a higher risk for being in a crash.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 27 percent of all car crashes involve drivers using their cell phones, which includes texting and talking on handheld and hands-free cell phones. What’s concerning about this statistic is that cell phone-related motor vehicle accidents have increased for the third year in a row.

Because smartphones allow motorists to be connected while on the go, it causes drivers to be distracted behind the wheel which puts them at increased risk for crashing. In fact, the NSC states that texting increases a driver’s crash risk at least eight times, and drivers are four times more likely to crash when talking on a hands-free or handheld cell phone.

Because using cell phones while driving is still an epidemic that is making our roads more dangerous, we would like to remind you that nothing is more important than saving a life. We encourage you to share this information with those you know via Facebook to help bring an end to distracted driving.