Despite Laws, Many Minnesotans Send Text Messages While Driving

October 15, 2010 (Press-News.org) Minnesota was among the first states in the country to recognize the perils of texting while driving and take legislative action to curb the practice. In 2008, Minnesota became the third state in the nation to forbid drivers from reading, writing or sending text messages. Since this time, more than half the country has followed suit. Texting while driving is now forbidden in 30 states.

These laws are necessary. When drivers send text messages, they spend 4.6 seconds of every 6 seconds with their eyes off the road. Research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has revealed that truck drivers are 23 times more likely to cause a car accident or narrowly avert a car accident when sending text messages than when not distracted. Texting while driving is dangerous and lawmakers should continue to take steps to reduce these behaviors.

Unfortunately, these laws have not yet eliminated car accidents caused by distracted driving. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, distracted driving still accounts for 25 percent of all motor vehicle accidents annually; these car accidents, in turn, account for at least 70 deaths and 350 injured people. When drivers choose to send text messages while driving, they are putting the safety and well-being of others on the road at risk.

In addition to the headway made at the state level, distracted driving has become a major issue for the federal government. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently hosted the second national Distracted Driving Summit, bringing together transportation experts, safety advocates, law enforcement officers, academic researchers and concerned citizens. At the Summit, presenters discussed the progress that has been made over the past year, as well as the challenges and opportunities for the future.

Ultimately, texting while driving will only cease to be a problem when individual drivers acknowledge the dangers of distracted driving and choose not to accept these risks. Certainly, laws help encourage drivers to make wise decisions, but education is also a critical component. When people understand how dangerous texting while driving is, they are more likely to stop.

Article provided by McSweeney & Fay, P.L.L.P.
Visit us at www.mcfay.com