Nearly 6,000 people were killed and another half million injured in 2008, officials say, as a result of driving while distracted. In fact, so many people are being killed and injured because drivers are using mobile devices, the government is holding a summit in Washington D.C. to come up with ways to stop it.
It’s already illegal in England, where a graphic public service announcement airs and has become a viral Internet video sensation. In fact, a British study says it’s more dangerous than drinking and driving.
Look anywhere while in traffic, and you’ll see people disregarding common sense.
Overall, text messages have exploded from 10 billion in 2005 to 110 billion in 2008, and with all the time Americans spend in their cars, too many drivers are putting their hands at 10 and text, instead of 10 and 2.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute did a study this summer on the dangers of texting or using a cell phone while driving. They found that you are six times more likely to be involved in an accident if you do so. The study found it’s even worse when it’s a truck driver using a mobile device. They’re 23 times more likely to crash if talking on a cell or texting. Many of the crashes that involve large trucks were caused by the driver being distracted.
In Washington on Wednesday, victims and family members appealed to members of Congress to pass greater restrictions on mobile device use while driving.
“We’ve introduced legislation that would nationally ban texting while driving, and tell every state unless they pass the ban, they’re going to lose some of their federal highway funds,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). “It’s based on the anti-drunk driving laws which have been hugely successful.”
New Jersey and 17 other states already have laws against texting while driving. The wireless phone industry is urging its users to not text or email while driving, but does not want a complete ban on all cell phone use by drivers.
As you might expect, young people are most likely to text while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 16 percent of drivers under the age of 20 who were involved in a fatal crash were texting at the time.
(Source: WCBSTV)
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6 Responses
What a hypocrite this schumer is, 2 months ago he voted against a national right to carry law, which means if someone has a concealed weapons permit in his home state this law would have permitted him to carry in every state, just like a drivers license to drive in every state. well schumer and a few others voted against it the reason they gave was states rights, the federal government has no right to dictate to a state to allow another states permits (note that was just the reason given the real reason is they are anti gun controlling liberals) so mr. schumer how about practice what you preach and let the states decided if they want to ban texing or not you are a big advocate of states rights arent you
Driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs is already illegal in all fifty states, and in all fifty states drivers are still driving drunk. Chuck Schumer, like any Democrat worth his salt, wants more laws passed to enforce to unenforceable. He, and his party, view it as job security.
I concur, #3. While I am indifferent to Schumer, the dangers of texting are great. I dont like to text, but the few times I have replied to texts while driving, I can shamefully and honestly say that it certainly does require attention that takes a driver’s concentration off the road in a VERY dangerous way. I pull over now if I must answer a text for that reason. Dont gamble with your life or any one else’s life.
#1, while states rights are important, there are times that states rights have to take their proper place. In this specific matter, I dont think letting the states decide is appropriate. Are you saying texting while driving is NOT dangerous in all situations? Are you saying that texting while driving may be dangerous in Ohio but not in Florida? To me, your post is pushing a states rights’ agenda over the specific matter at hand. Schumer has the perfect right to bring this matter to the floor.
This driving while distracted is mamesh terrible. Wherever you go everyone is looking on a screen instead of watching what they are doing. People on the street are not watching their children like they used to. If we don’t do everything we can to stop it we are waiting for a catastrophe.
#5 very sad that you have no idea about our constitution and the enumerated powers given to the federal gov.sorry to tell you no matter how dangerous the federal government has no rights to make such law, and no i’m not pushing states rights i’m pushing the fact that schumer is a hypocrite