The findings of a study carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to survey the cellphone and texting habits of motorists, have revealed that even though the use of mobile phones while driving has been banned by many US jurisdictions, over two-thirds of the US motorists still follow the practice.

According to the findings of the CDC survey, 69 percent of the US motorists used their mobile phone while driving within the one-month period before they were surveyed; and nearly 31 percent of the motorists admitted that they had read or sent text messages or emails while steering the wheel.

The findings of the survey highlight the fact that distracted driving is more widespread in the US than in Europe, especially when compared to the seven European countries where mobile device use while driving has been completely banned.

In fact, the US figure - of 69 percent motorists using mobile phones while driving - was the highest among the countries which were surveyed --- including Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany, and Britain. In these countries, the highest `mobile use while driving' figure of 59 percent was recorded in Portugal; and the lowest of 21 percent in Britain.

Commenting on the figures, CDC director Tom Frieden said that "the cell phone can be a fatal distraction for those who use it while they drive;" and added: "Driving and dialing or texting don't mix. If you are driving, pull over to a safe place and stop before you use your cell phone."