|
|
The simple truth is texting while driving is extremely dangerous. A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Motorists found that motorists who use cell phones for any purpose while driving are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
Some studies suggest it is even more hazardous than driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs especially for young people. Despite the dangers, studies also show cell phone usage while driving is on the rise for both young people and adults.
But if texting is dangerous for young people, doesn't the same hold true for adults? Why did the Missouri Legislature see fit to only ban the practice for those 21 years and younger?
Probably because it is the only way they could get the bill passed say some legislators.
Lawmakers attempted six times in the past three years to pass some kind of legislation limiting drivers' use of cell phones. None of those attempts were successful.
Each time cell phone legislation met with powerful opposition both from legislators who see the limitations as an invasion of privacy and from real estate lobbyists according to a story in the Columbia Tribune.
The real opposition was seen from lobbyists representing real estate agents, who often use their cars as traveling offices. Legislators say they will try and expand the law to include adults in the future, but for now this is the best they could do.
If you accept the premise that texting is unsafe for young people, then it stands to reason that it is also unsafe for adults. If our personal experience is any indicator, perhaps more dangerous.
Opponents say we already have laws in place to cover text messaging in a car. If a person drives erratically while texting they can be cited for careless and imprudent driving - an umbrella law that covers dangerous driving.
They also argue the law is largely unenforceable because unless an officer actually sees a person texting, they can't be stopped. Plus, Civil Rights advocates worry that police officers could use the new law as a pretext to pull young drivers over without a valid reason.
It's hard to say if the new law will deter young people from texting while driving. Anti-drinking and driving laws have not eradicated drunk driving. But if the new law can serve as the basis of a public awareness and education campaign, it does have value.
