Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety
Most Americans want texting-while-driving banned, but admit guilt
A recent Harris Poll found that an overwhelming 91% of Americans think it's unsafe to text message while driving. In fact, they think it's just as bad as driving after a couple of drinks, and 89% even think it should be outlawed. But that didn't stop a full 57% of them from admitting that they have still done it. The same Harris Interactive survey -- commissioned by Pinger, Inc., a messaging service -- found that 66% of adults surveyed read their text messages or e-mails while driving. The survey also found that younger drivers, not surprisingly, were much more likely to TWD. So far only Washington state has passed a law banning texting while driving (TWD), although New York, California and Florida among others are considering similar legislation.
[Source: Reuters]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
... 8:16PM (8/07/2007)
What are they going to do? Have their politicians pass legislation to make it less dangerous?
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whofan 8:34PM (8/07/2007)
More air bags heaver cars safer with less mileage. SO WE CAN ALL SCREW OFF BEHIND THE WHEEL. Why not make drunk driving legal?
torpeau 10:17PM (8/07/2007)
Many drivers who are legally drunk (.08) are safer drivers than those distracted by talking on the phone or texting. I wonder how often a check is made on drivers in accidents to see if they were on the phone.
Drewboy 8:34PM (8/07/2007)
Locally, a girl ran over a killed a bicyclist on the OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD while downloading a ringtone. Common sense is apparently very uncommon. I'm all for making texting and downloading illegal while driving.
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Loic 8:44PM (8/07/2007)
Oldsmobile Calais FTW!
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AlexP 9:05PM (8/07/2007)
Dude, that's a Buick.
Loic 9:55PM (8/07/2007)
/ashamed
lol
John 12:42AM (8/08/2007)
or "Oldsmobuick" if you ask Fletch
CoffeeJones 8:50AM (8/08/2007)
I love the "Dad's old radio" / family truckster look of that speedometer.
Brad 1:58PM (8/08/2007)
What was the car that had a line running along the bottom of the speedometer that changed colors the faster you went? Was it a Pontiac? My dad was a used car dealer and I remember him driving one home once.
Back on topic, texting while driving is much more dangerous than talking on the phone while driving. Soon these cell phone makers will come up with a way you can have hands free texting.
Don 9:21PM (8/07/2007)
Hell, I texted THIS in while driving.
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aman 9:36PM (8/07/2007)
There are some people that can text without looking, which majes it less unsafe than taking your eyes off the road. but if this is legal, why isn't drinking and driving, speeding, and reckless driving? those are much less dangerous, because, even if you're drunk, at least your eyes are on the road? right? or am I just being stupid?
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Owain Ozymandias Buck 10:18PM (8/07/2007)
Well, I've got to call B.S. on this one. Flawed study somehow. I seriously doubt if 57% of the adult population even text at all. Do they mean 57% of texting adults?
Oh--I just RTFA. It's a percentage of adults who both drive and text. Not 57% of all driving adults. Sorry. I should learn to read for myself, not rely on submitters! ;)
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Philip 11:22PM (8/07/2007)
Eyes are important but what about the Brain or lack of use of it...
If there were no cell phone lobbyists it would be against the law, Greed and Money rules over Common sense...
I never Dive and Text or Talk on the phone, Life is Precious.
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aman 11:55PM (8/07/2007)
Do you think the brain is used while drinking, and then driving? or reckless driving? I never dive and talk on the phone either, my phone would get wet. lol i know what you meant to say
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RicardoHead 11:58PM (8/07/2007)
Anyone who texts while driving (or while not driving) deserves to be put to death by slow excrutiating torture with the videos of their last shrieking moments put on youtube for all to enjoy. To even text at all is pretty lame.
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Louis Duran 2:23AM (8/08/2007)
I'm all in favor of a nationwide ban on cell phone use in cars. I have seen too many dipshits do too many dipshitty things while driving and yacking on their cell. I don't think it is quite as dangerous to talk on a totally hands-free, integrated systems. Too bad those systems are only available as a costly option on few cars.
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Philip 2:24AM (8/08/2007)
I truly cant see what is so important to talk about, or text, Cant it wait till you stop, or pull over if its so important.
I and four other cars were hit from behind while parked by some guy talking on a cell phone, his brain/mind was in another place, he totaled two of fours cars, Yes there was Blood and Discomfort. The guy walked away with just a ticket for dangerous driving and some damage to his car.
I used to think cell phones were good for emergencies, Now I think they cause more emergencies.
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iQuack 2:26AM (8/08/2007)
People who diddle with their damn cell phones--dialing or texting--while driving should be SHOT!
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Philip 2:29AM (8/08/2007)
Id like to see the arguement by Cell phone companies for handsfree texting.
Again I say its a mind thing not a hands thing. If your mind is off the situation you may cause an accident.
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