Nine in 10 Americans say ban texting while driving

It's like driving after having a couple drinks, say those polled, though more than half admit to texting behind the wheel.

The story "Nine in 10 Americans say ban texting while driving" published August 7, 2007 at 5:19 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

Content from Reuters expires after 30 days.

[Leria]

This should be banned

This should be banned. Unlike some other laws in this country, this one would actually be aimed at decreasing something that does create a higher incidence of possible harm to people when they are driving a car.
I am all for banning texting while driving, and don't see why anyone would have to text while driving in the first place. If you are going to be late getting home, you can text a message to your husband or wife BEFORE you start the car to tell them that.

[Mycroft_514]

Talk about stupid

There are already laws in all50 states that cover this. Don't bother to build new laws, enforce the ones already out there.

[Commander_Spock]

Banning those folks (for life) "texting while driving...

... should send a real message. Complete all the emails and Instant Messages before you leave the Hot Spots, the Office, the Internet Cafes or the Parking Lots. Jeopardize your "own lives" (if you must text while driving); not other people's!

[joebuff75]

banned in Europe already

In many European countries the usage of mobile phones while
driving is banned already. There are hefty fines if you use your
mobile to make calls or send messages...

[timl2k7]

whats wrng w/ txting?

I'm using my iphone to txt this while I drive, I don't see the problem
I can txt and drive just fine

[Commander_Spock]

Simple answer!

Try remembering the road rule: Care, Courtesy and Consideration ((The 3Cs) That is your problem.

Thank you very much for "not" replying while you are driving!

[MauiMac]

What a STUPID FUCK'R!

"I don't see the problem, I can txt and drive just fine"

What a STUPID ****'R!

[potestasx]

What about calling someone?

If talking on a cell phone while driving is legal and texting while driving is not, then how will an officer distinguish someone dialing or looking up a number and texting? This would be a big discrepancy, almost requiring at the same time to make dialing numbers illegal also.

[paulej]

Dialing numbers is easy

You don't even need to see the screen to dial numbers. Generally, the "5" key is marked, so you know your position. Also, many phones have a spead-dial funtion or voice dialing function. Combine that with a Bluetooth headset and making a phone call is no more distracting than talking to the person in the passenger seat or tuning in a radio station.

Actually, the latter point is one that interests me: why is it that some states ban talking on a mobile phone, yet permit you to talk to three or four other people who might be riding in your car? I suspect it's a knee-jerk reaction to a problem that could be handled differently-- much like many of the laws that get put into place.

[hagopian_tech]

why not??

i have a treo 700w and i text and drive all the time. sometimes there are things that come up and someone cant call you at that time so texting is the only option. i have had many work related things that i have had to respond to by texting while i was driving. i say we should be able to talk on the phone/text as much as we want. whats next they going to make car stereos illegal too cuz they distract us from driving.