Ads by TechWords

See your link here
Receive the latest technology news and information.
Mobile/Wireless Computing
Computerworld Daily News (First Look and Wrap-Up)
Computerworld Blogs Newsletter
The Weekly Top 10
Cloud Computing
View all newsletters




Privacy Policy
 

Survey: Americans say texting while driving should be illegal

They say it's as bad as drunken driving

August 7, 2007 12:00 PM ET

Computerworld - Nine out of 10 American adults believe that driving while texting is dangerous and should be against the law, according to a new survey.

In addition, 91% of adults surveyed by research firm Harris Interactive Inc. thought that drivers sending text messages or e-mails are as dangerous as those who have had a couple of drinks before getting behind the wheel.

However, the survey, which was commissioned by Pinger Inc., a mobile messaging service that uses a hands-free headset, also found that 66% of adults who drive a car and have used text messaging said they have read text messages or e-mails while driving, and 57% of the same people said they have sent text messages or e-mails while driving.

The dangers of text messaging while driving came to prominence after a June 28 car crash that killed five teenagers in New York. Text messages were sent and received on the 17-year-old driver's cell phone minutes before the car she was driving crashed head-on into a truck. Although crash investigators said that they would never know who was using the phone, they said texting could have been one of the factors involved in the crash.

Six states, including New York, California and Florida, are considering legislation that would ban texting while driving. Washington banned texting while driving in May.

The survey also found that 64% of adults who admitted to sending text messages while driving were between the ages of 18 and 34, while only 6% were 55 or older. In addition, men and women sent text messages while driving at equal rates, the research found.

Harris surveyed 2,049 adults online between June 28 and July 3.



Jump to comments

texting while driving

Additional Resources

Xerox
By using solid ink technology only from Xerox, you could save up to 65% by printing color for the cost of black and white. Enter for a chance to WIN a PhaserTM 8860 network color printer!
Microsoft
Save time and mitigate security risk. Deploy it now.
Sybase
In this white paper, IDC analyzes the role of next-generation mobile enterprise platforms as organizations seek a more strategic deployment of mobile solutions.

Learn the important issues you must consider before starting your next mobility initiative. Get your mobility white paper from IDC now, compliments of Sybase.

What People Are Saying

White Papers & Webcasts

Southern Company
Download Now  

Managing Laptops Outside the Office
Learn how you can reduce costs by tracking mobile computers no matter where they are located.

4G Ahead Video Program
Uncover the features and benefits of the two leading 4G technologies for enterprises considering future deployment.

Case Study: Roughing IT
Download Now