Texting while driving is prohibited by law in a number of states. Yet a new study shows a different approach may be needed. In states with text messaging when travelling restrictions, car incidents did not decrease. Following the restrictions went into effect in some states, auto accidents became even more frequent. Maybe viewing it as an obstacle to its nationwide campaign in opposition to text messaging when travelling, the study was termed misleading by the Department of Transportation. Figuring out correct enforcement is the key, say insurance industry experts who have faith in the laws. Some who disagree think the laws contribute further to the problem. To avoid being seen by police, texting drivers resort to ever much more hazardous practices.
Text messaging while traveling proceeds to kill
Traffic deaths connected to texting motorists, as a study released by the American Journal of Public Health found, jumped by 16,000 in the years 2001-’07. But ABC News reports that researchers at the Highway Loss Data Institute found no reduction in auto accidents after texting while driving laws were enacted. The HLDI documented crash frequency and insurance claims immediately prior to and directly following the passage of anti-texting regulations in Washington, Minnesota, Louisiana and California. That crash rates held steady was not the only surprise. In three states, the crashes increased slightly.
Traveling ban might encourage much more risky text messaging
Virtually every person agrees that texting while driving is dangerous, but the study shows that cell phone regulations don’t equal safer roads. In specific, the text messaging generation is impervious to the ban, according to the Christian Science Monitor, which pointed out that in the study accidents increased for motorists 25 and younger in all four states. The researchers suggested that the law compels text messaging drivers to hold their phones lower to keep away from being seen, which significantly increases the level of distraction. Ray Lahood, secretary of the Transportation Department, criticized the study. He responded to the release of the study with a statement of his own. As outlined by LaHood, research has proven that laws targeting distracted drivers are effective. Nevertheless, Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said trying to enforce a ban on a single practice as a solution leaves out a number of contributing factors that exacerbate the problem.
Alternative options to simply passing laws
The ineffectualness of distracted driving laws has shown that individuals are going to keep on text messaging regardless. Because laws are being ignored, Jared Newman at PC World said technology will make texting drivers safer. . Automobile innovations like MyFord Touch, he writes, let drivers keep their eyes and also the road and their hands on the wheel as they use their phones. Promoting engineering innovations, not simply passing regulations that can’t be enforce, could do more to lower the distraction of texting while driving.
Information from
ABC News
abcnews.go.com
Christian Science Monitor
csmonitor.com
PC World
pcworld.com
