Texting and Driving Should Be Banned, Says Safety Group

September 2009

The Governors Highway Safety Association, an organization of state highway safety officials, has changed its stance on texting and driving. The group recently announced that it now supports a texting ban, joining a growing number of legislators and advocates who endorse such a measure.

In the past, the association questioned the practicality of a ban, saying it would be difficult to enforce. According to the organization, their position has changed in light of the growing body of research that confirms the dangers posed by texting and driving. Recent studies have found that drivers who text generally take their eyes off the road for five seconds. In that time, a car can travel more than the length of a football field on the highway.

Later this month, senior transportation officials, elected officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, and academics will attend a summit to discuss how to combat distracted driving.