In an effort to cut down on car accidents, several states have banned texting when driving. Even so, automobile incidents did not go down in states that have banned texting behind the wheel. Several states saw auto crashes increase after their bans went into effect. The DOT, in the midst of an anti-texting while travelling campaign, called the success of the study misleading. Figuring out proper enforcement is the key, say insurance industry experts who have faith in the laws. Others think the law leads to even more hazardous texting practices by drivers trying to keep away from detection.
Texting motorists continue to wreak havoc
Traffic deaths connected to texting motorists, as a study released by the American Journal of Public Health found, jumped by 16,000 within the years 2001-’07. But ABC News reports that researchers at the Highway Loss Data Institute found no reduction in auto accidents after texting when driving laws were enacted. The conclusions were drawn by comparing the rate of accidents and claims on insurance in California, Louisiana, Minnesota and Washington prior to and following the passage of texting when driving bans. In three states, crashes actually showed a slight increase.
Bans might drive texters to further diversion
The study proves that it’s obvious text messaging drivers aren’t impressed by regulations alone. The Christian Science Monitors take on the story highlighted the truth that among motorists 25 and under—an age group that likely text more than others—the study found in all four states the rate of accidents rose. The likely explanation: to keep away from getting a ticket, drivers are holding their devices out of sight, which makes it harder to pay attention when driving. The study was panned by DOT secretary Ray Lahood. 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. But Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said laws focusing on a single aspect of distracted driving ignore the entire scope of distractions and rely on a ban to solve the whole problem.
Using technology to safely fulfill the text messaging urge
The ineffectualness of distracted travelling laws has shown that people are likely to keep on text messaging regardless. Because laws are being ignored, Jared Newman at PC World said technology will make texting drivers safer. He mentions Google Voice for Android that includes text message dictation, and also the Dragon Dictation app for Apple’s iPhone. 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. Instead of passing unenforceable laws, the government could promote collaboration between automakers and technology businesses, as well as boost public awareness that such opportunities are accessible.
Citations
ABC News
abcnews.go.com
Christian Science Monitor
csmonitor.com
PC World
pcworld.com
