Texting while driving

Texting while driving is the act of composing, sending, reading text messages, email, or making similar use of the web on a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. Texting while driving is considered extremely dangerous by many people, including authorities, and in some places have either been outlawed or restricted.

Overview

Texting while driving leads to increased distraction behind the wheel. In 2006, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group conducted a survey with more than 900 teens from over 26 high schools nationwide. The results showed that 37% of students consider texting to be either "very" or "extremely" distracting. A study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) shows that text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.

Legislation

As of July 2010, 30 states in the US have banned texting while driving, with Kentucky becoming the most recent addition on July 15. Some states, like California, have implemented laws to ban texting while driving. The California law, which came into effect on January 1, 2009, makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle.

Effects

Texting while driving leads to a number of negative effects. It increases the time it takes a driver to react in the event of an emergency. It also increases the chances of an accident. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers who use a hand-held device are four times more likely to get into a crash serious enough to cause injury.

Prevention

There are several ways to prevent texting while driving. One of the most effective is through education. Many organizations, such as the National Safety Council, have launched nationwide educational campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of texting while driving. Another effective method is through the use of technology. Several companies have developed apps that prevent texting while driving.

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  A person texting while driving on March 28, 2013.
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  World map showing the legality of phone use while driving.
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  Texting while driving.
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  No texting and driving sign in West, Texas.