Should Texting While Driving be Illegal?

Most of us have all done it before… texting while driving. I’ve actually texted while doing lots of things, including: driving, walking, walking my dog, working out, cooking and even taking a bath. I’m addicted. I have to admit, I actually text more than I talk on the phone.

Studies have shown that texting while driving is more dangerous than drinking and driving. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, people who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash, or a near-crash event, than nondistracted drivers. In another study, Researchers in Britain claim that texting behind the wheel is more dangerous than driving while under the influence of alcohol or marijuana.

The study, carried out on young drivers aged 17-24 using a simulator, found that reaction time slowed by 35% when they were writing or reading text messages while driving. In comparison, reaction time deteriorated by 21% for those under the influence of marijuana, and by 12% at the legal alcohol limit. In addition, the study carried out by Transport Research Laboratory for the RAC Foundation, found that steering control worsened by 91% for those who were distracted by texts, compared to 35% for those who had smoked marijuana.

While this multi-tasking habit can be addictive, it’s incredibly distracting and potentially deadly. I came across this PSA today, it’s out of the UK, and is causing quite a stir; I give you fair warning, the content you are about to watch is graphic.

more about "PSA Texting while Driving, UK", posted with vodpod

While many people would advocate a ban for texting while driving, it is illegal in 14 states now. In California, texting is a violation of the state vehicle code, subjecting drivers caught writing them or reading them to a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for repeat offenses.

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

GM to Cease Production at 4 Pickup, SUV Factories

Reporter: Nicole Morten
View on KBTX web channel

As GM works to focus on smaller vehicles, production of four truck and SUV plants in North America are being placed on hold.

It seems General Motors caught the fuel price fever. The motor company announced plans to close four truck and SUV plants in North America. The closings are a response to high oil prices and the slumping sales of pickups and SUV’s.

CEO Rick Wagoner says the plants will be idled in Oshawa, Ontario: Moraine, Ohio; Janesville, Wisconsin; and Toluca, Mexico. He also said GM is currently focusing on the production of smaller vehicles.

The GM board has approved production of a new small Chevrolet car at a plant in Lordstown, Ohio, in 2010, and also production of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle in Detroit.

The moves are intended to save GM a billion dollars a year, starting in 2010.