A new survey released by State Farm finds Americans are increasingly distracted behind the wheel.

Nearly all drivers, 91 percent, reported owning a smartphone, and more than half say they use them while driving.

“We hope that shining a light on this behavior will make more drivers think twice about doing it,” said State Farm spokesman Roszell Gadson.

Though distracted driving continues to be all too common, the news is not all bad. After several years of steady increases in distracting cellphone activities, only taking pictures and recording videos saw significant increases this year. Survey results found:

• 50 percent talk on a hand-held phone;

• 35 percent text while driving;

• 29 percent access the internet while driving;

• 26 percent read email behind the wheel, while 21percent respond;

• 22 percent access social networks;

• 23 percent take pictures;

• 14 percent record video;

• 93 percent talk to passengers;

• 23 percnet attend to children; and

• 21 percnet attend to pets in the car

Drivers also report listening to loud music, eating, speeding and driving tired as other risky behaviors.

Relationship between cellphone use and crashes

The report shows a significant relationship between self-reported rates of cellphone use and self-reported number of crashes. People who indicated they use their cellphones while driving were more likely to have been in a crash compared to those who said they rarely or never use their phones while driving.

Drivers know the risk, but can’t resist

Survey respondents reported using smartphones while driving despite finding them distracting. And despite thinking the behavior increases the likelihood of a crash. When asked why, they provided reasons such as improved efficiency, need to stay in touch, habit, searching for information on the internet, and seeing something they want to share. Reasons for the behaviors include:

• Good use of time;

• Staying in touch with family and friends;

• Helps to stay awake; and

• Bored while driving