Insurers' Surveys Reveal Dangerous Driving Habits.

Many Americans are using their cars--whether they own a compact car, a sports car or a sport-utility vehicle--more like mobile homes. According to a new survey by Progressive Insurance Group, 69% of people eat behind the wheel, 12% apply makeup or shave, and 7% read a book or newspaper.

The survey of the driving habits of 29,981 people across the United States was conducted by Progressive between May 17 and July 1. Besides being distracted, drivers are also angry while they're behind the wheel. According to the survey, 46% of respondents report expressing their anger at other drivers while behind the wheel and, interestingly, of those people who express their anger while behind the wheel (by shouting or swearing, using hand gestures, cutting off other drivers or speeding)--more than 50% also talk on their cell phones while driving.

"It's a reflection of our society that we try to do more than just drive when we're on the road, but it's important that your full attention be spent on driving when you are behind the wheel," said Dave Pratt, consumer marketing director at Progressive. "Perhaps our busy lifestyles, combined with more traffic and congested roadways, is why nearly half of the drivers express anger. Becoming too emotional and too preoccupied with other drivers is just another way to get distracted and potentially lead to accidents."

The survey found that 74% of SUV drivers and minivan drivers eat behind the wheel, more than owners of any other type of vehicle. SUV drivers are the most likely to use a cell phone while behind the wheel, the survey found.

Response Insurance conducted its own survey on driver cell phone use. In a national survey of more than 1,000 drivers, 13% of respondents reported that talking on cell phones while driving either had caused or nearly had caused them to get into an accident. Overall, 29% of all drivers in the "Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey" said they used cell phones while driving.

The survey also uncovered that 76% of respondents engaged in one or more distracting activities while driving. In many cases, the distractions resulted in accidents or near-accidents. The activities included eating, reading and combing hair. "The real problem is in the drivers who seem to think they're sitting in their living rooms, rather than behind the wheel," said Mory Katz, chairman of Response. The survey also revealed that 20% of respondents are so busy multitasking behind the wheel that they have used their thighs to steer their cars.