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.

Continental Airlines Getting Credit Card Payment

Reporter: Nicole Morten
View on KBTX web channel

It’s payday for Continental Airlines. The Houston based airline company said Thursday it’ll get a 413 million dollar initial payment under it’s co-branded credit card deal with Chase Bank USA.

The payment will add more cushion as the airline prepares to book severance and other charges in the coming months. Continental says the credit card deal with Chase will extend until 2016. Of the initial payment, 235 million dollars will cover the advance purchase of frequent-flyer-mileage credit cards.

Including fuel taxes and hedges, the carrier predicts to spend an average of $3.45 per gallon on fuel this year, and a penny more per gallon during the second quarter.

Continental also says it expects to have between 3.2 billion and 3.3 billion dollars in cash on hand at the end of the second quarter.

Airlines Cashing In On Frequent Fliers

Reporter: Nicole Morten
View on KBTX web channel

07/10 kbtx.com–It was bound to happen. Delta, US Airways, and American are now charging to cash in your frequent flyer miles.

Starting August 15, the Delta SkyMiles Program will add a $25 fee for Award Travel between the 50 states and Canada; a $50 fee for Award Travel to international destinations, including the Caribbean, Latin America, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific.

Delta says the fuel surcharge will not impact existing ticketed award itineraries or award tickets issued prior to Aug. 15, regardless of the date of travel.

Many airline providers are issuing the fees in hopes to offset the rising cost of fuel, and Delta Air Lines isn’t alone.

The first week of August, US Airways will begin implementing a $25 fee for Canada and domestic flights; $35 to Mexico and the Caribbean and a $50 fee to Hawaii and international destinations. In June American Airlines began issuing a flat $5 fee.

“The price of fuel has nearly doubled in the last year, causing considerable financial stress to Delta’s business. As a result, Delta is implementing initiatives across all areas of the business to mitigate the extraordinary run up in fuel expenses,” says Jeff Robertson, managing director of Delta’s SkyMiles Program. “This was a difficult but essential decision in the face of record-high fuel costs. We hope this is temporary, and should fuel prices subside from current levels, we will reevaluate this surcharge.”

Delta Spokesperson Betsy Talton, told News Three, “As you know fuel costs more than twice what it did last year. We hope this surcharge on award tickets is temporary.”

U.S. to Require Online Travel Registration

Reporter:Nicole Morten
View on KBTX web channel

Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff announced today that visitors who can travel to the United States will be required to register biographical details online at least three days before their visit.

The changes will affect travelers from countries whose citizens are not required to obtain visas for U.S. entry.

Chertoff says the program will allow the U.S. to screen visitors before they travel. The program will take effect in August, and will be mandatory for all visa-free travel by January 12.

Twenty-seven countries are currently in the U.S. visa-waiver program. More are expected to join later this year.