Many states have passed laws banning texting behind the wheel. But a new study found no decrease in automobile collisions in those states after texting-while-driving regulations took effect. Traffic crashes, strangely enough, were up in some states with the ban. A major initiative against texting while travelling is being implemented by the DOT. It’s no wonder the head of the agency called the study misleading. Stepped up enforcement of the laws, say some experts on road safety, will ultimately start bringing results. Some who disagree think the laws contribute further to the issue. To keep away from being seen by police, texting drivers make use of ever much more hazardous practices.
Text messaging restriction is toothless
Texting when driving increased auto fatalities by more than 16,000 between 2001 and 2007, as outlined by a study published within 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 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. A perceptible increase in crashes emerged in three states.
Traveling ban may motivate much more dangerous text messaging
The study proves that it’s clear texting drivers aren’t amazed by laws alone. In unique, the texting generation is impervious to the restriction, as outlined by the Christian Science Monitor, which pointed out that in the study crashes increased for drivers 25 and younger in all four states. The researchers suggested that the law compels text messaging motorists to hold their phones lower to avoid being seen, which substantially increases the level of distraction. Ray Lahood, secretary of the Transportation Department, criticized the study. In a statement, he said his department had proof that new laws can mitigate the problem of distracted driving. A ban on text messaging alone does nothing to cut back crashes, as outlined by Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, who points out that many other factors contribute to distracted driving.
Alternative options to simply passing regulations
. Because laws are being ignored, Jared Newman at PC World said technology will make texting drivers safer. He mentions Google Voice for Android that involves text message dictation, and the Dragon Dictation app for Apple’s iPhone. There are also technological innovations built into the latest vehicles. Newman mentioned MyFord Touch, a hands-free communications engineering that minimizes distracted driving. Promoting technological innovations, not simply passing laws that cannot be enforce, could do more to cut back the distraction of texting while driving.
Citations
ABC News
abcnews.go.com
Christian Science Monitor
csmonitor.com
PC World
pcworld.com
