Texting & Driving: Not a Good Combination
by Steve Spongberg
February 11, 2010
Texting While Driving
“I pledge to make my car a NO Phone Zone. Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by not texting or using my phone while I am driving. I will ask other drivers I know to do the same. I pledge to make a difference.” opraha.com/nophonezone
Oprah Winfery has taken up the cause to help ban the use of cell phones while driving because most state governments have failed to act. Only twenty states have banned texting and seven have banned cell phones outright. The circumstances around accidents, overwhelmingly suggest driving while using a cell phone is extremely dangerous. Watch the Youtube video entitled “Texting While Driving” (it is very graphic), and you will be moved.
The Pew Internet & American Life Project surveyed 800 teens and found that texting while driving is rampant. Pew estimates that 26% of all American teens have texted while driving. This study confirmed what we already knew: using a cell phone while driving is dangerous. Cell phone use impairs drivers as much as too much liquor.
Teens are well aware of the risks associated with texting while driving, but the desire to stay connected is so strong for teens and their parents that safety sometimes takes a backseat to staying in touch with friends and family.
Listed below are some additional findings that are interesting:
• 75% of all American teens 12-17 own a cell phone
• Boys and girls are equally likely to text behind the wheel
• 55% of teens report that they have witnessed a driver texting
Next time you get behind the wheel, please don’t use your cell phone to place, answer, or text another person. Your mind should remain focused on driving and problem solving possible situations that may arise.
Steve Spongberg
Driver’s Education Teacher
