Do you text? Do you have a Smartphone where you are constantly checking emails? I friend of mine conveniently refers to a Blackberry as a Crackberry. Even my five-year old knows that when daddy’s little red light is blinking on his Blackberry, that means he has an email. Truth is, texting and emailing are becoming a catastrophic problem on our roads.
According to a CNN article written by “AOL Autos” if avoid text messaging in your car, you stand a substantially reduced chance of a loss of a claim or, indeed, a loss of life, recent studies suggest. Texting while driving, or fiddling with myriad devices including your cell phone, BlackBerry or GPS system, is a leading factor in accidents across the nation. The article states that:
One study by Nationwide Insurance suggests DWT is generational, with 37 percent of people age 18 to 27 saying they text message while driving, while just 14 percent of those ages 28 to 44 and two percent of drivers ages 45 to 60 admitted to it.
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16 Comments
Dave
As a 47 year old,I don't even know how to "text",in fact,I don't even know if my cell phone will allow me to text,additionally,I don't even know my cell phone # due to it never being used and just stored in my glove compartment for emergencies.
John
Back in the early 80's late 70's the phone company came out with this little texting device, a few people had it then but I didn't buy into it, this little device disappeared being replaced by a big expensive cell phone,I didn't buy that either, ya know what? I never bought a cell ever and now people are back to chatting on texting devices that could just as well be hands free talking devices. I think a normal conversation in person would be nice.
jerry
Hey...there's this new device you can use when you're driving.
You merely push a button with your thumb making a series of beeping noises, some kind of code. You can keep your eye on the road too! I think they call it...let me see what was it..oh yeah..Morse code!!
Textaholic
Well, you sophisticates can dig up 8 tracks to make yourself proud. Yeah, the "brilliant" ones are too "smart" for texting or cellphones--who cares. Fuddy--duddies. Dave says, "I don't even know how to text"--who gives a clap?
So, brilliant inventors will create new technology to make texting while driving safe.
Sounds like a retirement magazine rant.
Ferret
I can't help but wonder how long it will be before the analysis of cell phone records will be standard procedure during the investigation of any traffic collision - just so that it can be determined whether or not the driver was distracted by either texting or talking on the phone at the moment of the accident.
bobthegrape
Bumper sticker seen on an SUV in Peachtree City, GA: "Are you drunk, or just on your cell phone?" 'Nuff said?
The Decider
The state of California did a study around ten years ago that prooved using a cell phone while driveing was responsible for approx. 30% more accidents than driving while being legally intoxicated. This problem is only getting worse. Large fines and then jail terms should be legislated for people that use these devices while driving.
L Swaney
People need to realize they are driving "Killing Machines" and it requires full attention and concentration to be responsible behind the wheel.
Hako
Not everyone under thirty is stupid enough to text while driving, so don't make it sound like that. You don't have to be "brillliant" to see the problem. All you need is a little common sense. Texting requires continual glancing away from the traffic. Cell phones can be voice-activated and hands-free, like mine, so are safer. Why don't people just call if they have something to say?
Mark
How about just shutting up, and listening to music?
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