Text Messaging While Driving - a Growing National Concern

DWD is becoming a priority for lawmakers around the nation as more information becomes available on accidents associated with "Driving While Distracted." According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted drivers account for almost 80% of all crashes and 65% of near-crashes in the United States. A new survey released by Nationwide Mutual Insurance shows text messaging behind the wheel is more prevalent than we may think. AAF (As a matter of fact), 37% of Generation Y'ers say they IM (instant message) while driving and 21% of Baby Boomers admit to the same behavior while driving: So, AYSOS (are you stupid or something)? Overall, the survey found that one in five drivers are texting while driving, and that figure rises to one in three for people aged 18-34.

In addition, the survey of 1,200 driving Americans found that:
83% believe they are safe drivers.
59% don't consider themselves as distracted drivers.
73% talk on cell phones while driving.
16% drive below the speed limit.
38% admit they have driven a certain distance without recalling it.

Although there have been no formal studies done on traffic deaths contributed specifically to text messaging while driving, text messaging has become the main form of communication among teenagers. Throughout the country, lawmakers and parents are concerned about this latest trend. According to a study by DeGroote School of Business in Ontario, more than 1 trillion text messages were sent worldwide last year. As one 17-year old described the need, "We're just a fast-paced generation. I can eat a McDonald's meal in 30 seconds. I text while I drive to make plans with friends, or to tell my friends about someone I met the night before, or to occupy my mind if nothing good is on the radio. I can't help but respond right away if I get a text. I don't like waiting. The world is going fast." It is this mentality, among all ages of drivers, that has set lawmakers on a bill-passing mission to crack down on texting while driving, and other forms of DWD.

New Jersey legislators have proposed a bill that would fine drivers between $100 and $250 if caught texting while driving. Under the new law if passed, police will be allowed to pull over a driver who is texting without committing another offense. Currently, police can only pull over mobile phone users if they are breaking another law also. Text messaging bills are also being considered in Arizona, Connecticut, and Washington. Four states plus the District of Columbia now outlaw hand-held cell phone use by drivers. 13 states have passed bills outlawing any use of cell phones by young or inexperienced drivers, while 37 states prohibit TV screens from being visible to the driver.

Lawmakers are not the only ones who can stop the texting trend. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), along with Liberty Mutual, released their Seventh Annual Teens Today driving study in September. The study shows that teens are less likely to drive while distracted if their parents have set clear consequences for them about breaking the law while driving. The study finds that parents who set expectations and follow through with consequences may help prevent teens from getting into car crashes. Car crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in America - more than drugs, guns, or disease combined.

Parents must learn to control their own bad habits as well, according to the SADD study. Even when adults are in the car with teens, the teens speed 50% of the time, talk on their cell phone 20% of the time, and eat or drink 20% of the time. Stephen Wallace, chairman and CEO of SADD says, "Perhaps most important is to set a good example for young drivers and to reinforce their good driving habits by praising what they are doing right behind the wheel."

ICBAMOLOD. (It can be a matter of life or death.)

Sources:
www.libertymutual.com
www.stateline.org
www.seattlepi.com
www.today.reuters.com
www.startribune.com
www.vocuspr.vocus.com