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Re-activateOn the slim chance you haven't been following it, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) conference in Savannah ends today. Probably the biggest news to come out of it is the group's endorsement for all states to ban cell-phone texting while driving.
Says GHSA Chairman Vernon F. Betkey Jr.:
"The action by the GHSA membership is based on the fact that texting while driving is indisputably a distraction and a serious highway safety problem. If every state passes a texting ban, it will send a message to the public that this dangerous practice is unacceptable. We can begin to change the culture that has permitted distracted driving."
The association cites a study [PDF] from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute finding that texting increases the likelihood of a crash or near-crash by 23 times.
The statement from the GHSA comes amid online chatter regarding a now-viral film clip depicting a horrific car crash caused by a teenager texting behind the wheel. The film, which was produced by the police department of Gwent, Wales, has gained notoriety because of its graphic nature and explicit scenes. (You can watch the clip here at your discretion.)
What say you? Would you welcome a texting-while-driving ban in your state? —Nick K. Mandle
[Update: Courtesy of GHSA, a list of current cell-phone driving laws, by state.]
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