In an effort to cut down on accidents, several states have banned text messaging when driving. Even so, vehicle incidents did not go down in states that have banned text messaging behind the wheel. In some states the number of crashes really increased. The Transportation Department called the study misleading as it worked to follow through with a national campaign to stamp out texting behind the wheel. Some driving safety experts said results will become evident with better enforcement of the law. Others think the law leads to even more hazardous texting practices by drivers trying to avoid detection.
Texting on the road an intractable problem
Texting when driving increased auto fatalities by more than 16,000 between 2001 and 2007, as outlined by a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. 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 laws in Washington, Minnesota, Louisiana and California. A perceptible boost in crashes emerged in three states.
Anti-texting regulations could worsen the problem
The study proves that it is clear texting drivers aren’t fascinated by laws alone. The Christian Science Monitors take on the story highlighted the truth that among drivers 25 and under—an age group that likely text more than others—the study found in all four states the rate of incidents rose. The researchers suggested that the law compels text messaging motorists to hold their phones lower to keep away from being seen, which substantially increases the level of distraction. Ray Lahood, secretary of the Transportation Department, criticized the study. He released a statement saying research showed that distracted driving laws could reduce crashes. 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 numerous contributing factors that exacerbate the problem.
A engineering solution when laws fall short
Law or no law, Americans will text when driving. Jared Newman at PC World thinks technology is a better solution than laws that are ignored. Products that texting drivers should think about consist of Dragon Dictation for iPhone and Google Voice for Android. He wrote that cutting edge automobile technology such as MyFord Touch allow drivers to communicate while they pay attention to their travelling. Helping make the public much more aware of these engineering solutions could do more to cut back crashes, instead of passing regulations that are largely ignored.
Citations
ABC News
abcnews.go.com
Christian Science Monitor
csmonitor.com
PC World
pcworld.com
