Poll: Americans overwhelmingly against texting while driving, in theory
By Chris Ziegler 
posted August 13th 2007 10:48AM
posted August 13th 2007 10:48AM
Be honest, when's the last time you responded to a text message from behind the wheel? If you're in with the majority of cellphone-toting Americans, you've done it -- though you probably also think it should be outlawed. A recent poll of about 2,000 US adults found that some 57 percent had participated in a little SMS action while driving at some point in their lives, but they were at least cognizant of its danger, with 91 percent guessing it was as dangerous as driving on a couple drinks. We'd guess as much, too -- if not more so, considering that texting takes brain function and your eyes away from the road. 89 percent of the polled folks want the practice outlawed, which really makes us wonder about those two percent that know it's dangerous and want to keep on doing it. Let us know to stay away with a bumper sticker on your jalopy, k?
People need to be aware of how dangerous texting and driving without a headset can be. An alternative for people texting back while driving could be calling their friend, using a hands-free headset. I work with http://www.FreeHeadset.org, an organization dedicated to promoting cell phone safety by distributing high quality cell phone headsets for only $3.94 (including shipping and handling).
Having witnessed a fatal car crash caused by someone talking on their cell phone, founder Matt MacAdams wanted to make it easy and affordable for anyone to obtain a headset. The process takes less than five minutes at www.freeheadset.org. The least we can do is make everyone aware of alternatives that will make our roads and children safer.
Distraction and inattention to driving are the real killers. Demonizing cell phones and texting misses the point. Conversations with passengers, and paying attention to problems with kids in the car, and loud music can be just as distracting and dangerous. Perhaps those activities should be banned as well.
Just let people earn their Darwin Awards as they wish.
It is cynical, and too bad it has collateral damage, but you could blame GM and the auto companies for pushing the auto culture instead of building up mass transit so we can travel and text/iPod in peace.
You're a moron if you are txting while driving
unless of course its important/emergency