A University of Alabama at Birmingham survey of college students reveals that 35 percent use mobile phone applications while driving — even after facing the dangers firsthand.

“The participants seemed to understand that using mobile apps while driving is dangerous, and some have even experienced motor vehicle crashes while using mobile apps, but they continue to do it,” said UAB student Lauren McCartney, who conducted the survey.

McCartney, a student in the Department of Psychology, will present her findings in August to the 119th American Psychological Association (APA) convention in Washington, D.C. Her work was chosen because her survey of this at-risk population is unique.