Editorial: Texting while driving incontrovertibly dangerous

Texting while driving has g2g.

The state House Transportation Committee voted unanimously yesterday to send House Bill 2070 for approval from the House of Representatives. The bill would ban drivers from texting on cell phones, PDAs and laptops, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. In truth, such a restriction seems long overdue.

In some states, such as New York, New Jersey and California, it’s illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving without using a headset or putting the phone on speaker. Compared to talking, texting isn’t on the same level of distraction — it’s worse. All the reading, typing and fumbling for the “send” key — such multitasking isn’t in the least conducive to safe driving.

There are unparalleled, well-documented dangers associated with texting while driving. In a Virginia Tech study released in July, researchers found that drivers who were texting were up to 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or come close to an accident compared to non-distracted drivers. While convincing, the real effect should be obvious: Taking your eyes off the road is dangerous, plain and simple.

The opposition will point to texting as just one of the limitless range of distracters behind the wheel. They fear the imposition of “nanny government” restrictions. Yes, there are numerous other distracters while driving: the rushed young businesswoman who struggles to apply her makeup while trying to keep her hands on the wheel, while the fledgling teen driver tests out the max volume of his car’s new stereo system. Such distractions are also legitimate dangers, but texting’s ubiquity and prevalence make punishment warrantable.

As it stands, the bill says that violators will pay a $50 fine for texting. This seems a reasonable figure, but if violations persist, the fine should be raised. People have to take this issue seriously.

From an age before most even begin drinking or driving, society makes sure to firmly entrench the dangers of combining the two. But let’s be realistic. Texting is scoffed at more frequently for instilling egregious grammar on young teens and constantly stealing attention from the teacher at the front of the classroom. But should we see such a seemingly harmless activity as a threat? Texting has been around for more than just a few years now. We should have seen it long ago.

Part of Bill 2070 also prohibits drivers with learner’s permits from using cell phones or other electronic devices behind the wheel — another very reasonable measure. Part of learning to drive involves learning about the dangers of driving. It would seem contradictory — or in the least, ironic — to allow new drivers to get acquainted with such dangers.

Let’s keep this legislation rolling. It can only result in safer roadways. And, after all, your friend can wait 15 minutes before finding out “what’s up”.