Texting is NOT safer than talking on a cellular phone while driving.
You may ask,'Do we really need to tell people this?'
The answer is a clear and resounding 'YES' based upon an experience I recently had. For about one mile I was driving behind a young man who was, indeed, texting while (instead of, really) driving.
Clearly, he felt one hand on the steering wheel and one foot switching spontaneously between hard on the gas and hard on the brake was all he needed in order to drive.
His head was pointed downward, as he looked at his cell phone while he used his other hand to simultaneously hold the cell phone and type out text messages.
He made sure to explore every inch of the road with his car along the way. Hey, that oncoming lane must have looked really good to him, too, because it got a good portion of his wheel wear-n-tear.
Sudden stops in the middle of the road, random sharp swerving, and sudden full-gas peel-outs were only part of the entertainment the rest of us on the road got to endure. . .I mean, enjoy. . . along the way.
The fact it would not be safe to text and drive should be a matter of common sense. However, don't take my word for it. This KCTV-5 video report with a demonstration illustrates the dangers.
Want more proof? Try these reports about accidents, most of which include fatalities:
Santa Maria Crash - 63 yr old injured
Colorado Crash - Bicyclist Killed
Teen Driver and 4 Passengers Killed in New York: Was Texting to Blame?
64 year old killed - 19 year old sent to prison
Two Killed in Arizona Crash: Teens Weigh In
What can be done about it:
States Seek Ban on Texting and Driving
Consumer Reports Poll, Data, and State Bans
Teen Driving Seminars -Suggestions for Parents
Since it has not eliminated people talking on their cell phones while driving, I wonder how much good it will do to pass such a law. I think it is a good move, but I think parents taking more control over their teens, cell phones, and driving privileges is needed to work in conjunction with such laws.
Like what I wrote and want to buy me a cherry coke?
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