A recent survey found Montana teens are smoking and drinking less, but half say they have texted or talked on a cell phone while driving.

The Office of Public Instruction administers the risk behavior survey every other year. Thirty-eight percent of high school students report having had a drink of alcohol within the last 30 days, compared with 43 percent in 2009.

Over the past decade, the percentage of teens who reported ever trying a cigarette fell from 67 percent to 44 percent. The percentage of students who don't use seat belts fell from 19 percent to 13 percent, while those who reported driving after drinking dropped from 22 percent to 11 percent.

Half of the students say they have texted while driving within the past 30 days while 53 percent reported talking on a cell phone while driving.

Associated Press

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM