Quarter of Gen Zers feel urge to check their phones after just 15 minutes of driving

Jesus, take the wheel.

More than a quarter of Gen Zers living in the UK feel an urge to check their cell phone after less than 15 minutes of driving, according to new research conducted by Carmats.co.uk.

But it looks like Zoomers — defined as people born between the years 1997 and 2012 — weren’t the only ones who admitted to feeling the urge to reach for their phones while behind the wheel.

The poll, which surveyed 1,366 UK drivers 17 years old and up, also found that one-third of Brits of all ages thought about checking their phones while driving.

And one out of 12 people even admitted to texting on their phones while driving, while four out of 10 confessed to using their cell while on the road.

Of course, not only is using your cell phone while driving extremely dangerous, but in the US it is also illegal in some states.


Illustrated photo of a person in a car.
A quarter of Gen Zers living in the UK feel an urge to check their cell phone after less than 15 minutes of driving, despite that being a potentially dangerous practice.
Jam Press/Carmats.co.uk

Photo of a poll illustration.
They also found that texting while driving was one of the top five most annoying driving habits.
Jam Press/Carmats.co.uk

Illustrated poll.
Not only is driving while texting illegal, but it can be very dangerous.
Jam Press/Carmats.co.uk

In New York, talking on the phone, playing games, taking or looking at photos and “composing, sending, reading, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving, or retrieving electronic data such as e-mail, text messages, or webpages” is against the law while driving, per the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

Using your phone while driving will also result in points added to your license — and if you receive 11 points within 18 months, your license will be suspended.

Similarly, in the UK, where the survey was conducted, it is also illegal to use or even hold a cell phone while driving or riding a motorcycle.

It could also leave Brits paying a hefty fine of up to £1,000 ($1,200) if they end up getting caught.

Texting while driving can also prove to be irritating to some.


Many Gen Zers think about reaching for their phone after just 15 minutes of driving.
Many Gen Zers think about reaching for their phone after just 15 minutes of driving.
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Nearly half of those surveyed — 47% — said that using a phone while driving was “annoying,” and it ranked as No. 4 in the top 20 most annoying driving habits, according to the company.

Coming in as the No. 1 most annoying driving habit was “failing to indicate,” or signal a turn or move.

The information comes just months after another study found that Gen Z was driving less than other generations.


Illustration of someone holding a cell phone.
The data also looked at how cars can affect people’s dating lives.
Jam Press/Carmats.co.uk

Illustration with circles.
The research examined people’s “icks” while driving.
Jam Press/Carmats.co.uk

According to Federal Highway Administration data analyzed by Green Car Congress, the number of 18-year-olds who had their driver’s license in 2018 fell nearly 20 percent from 1983 (from 80% down to 61%).

But, interestingly enough, the poll also gathered data for other topics related to motor vehicles, including how driving affects people’s dating lives.

Almost a third of those living in the UK found that owning a car has helped to improve their dating lives, while one in five Gen Zers said it’s actually hindered it.

About 35% of British men admitted that having a car was “beneficial for their romantic pursuits,” and 67% revealed that having a sports car helped their cause as well.

And, of course, one in five admitted to having sex in their cars — which might be where having a sports car can translate into having a successful dating life, according to some.