AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Texting while driving has been in the news a lot lately, with several reports discussing the dangers related to distracted driving. According to a new report, most Americans believe in the dangers associated with texting while driving. The Rasmussen Report, revealed that 94% of adults believe people should not be allowed to text message on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
That survey found that only 4% believe that texting and driving should be allowed. According to a release issued by Rasmussen, those numbers are very similar to surveys from September of 2008. However, the number of people who believe that drivers shouldn't be allowed to talk behind the wheel has increased. In 2008, 53% were against using a cell phone in the car, that number increased to 66% in the latest poll.
Amarillo continues to urge drivers to "Let It Ring," a public education campaign kicked off in May of this year. The campaign asks people to not use their cell phones while behind the wheel of a car.
ProNews 7 wanted to know what feedback the city has received from the program. Amarillo Mayor Debra McCartt said the responses she has heard are very positive. The mayor said that people of all ages are very glad the program is going and they are in complete agreement and hope that everyone takes this to heart.
"The awareness that this program has brought to all of us will make a positive impact for everyone."
When asked about a possible law banning cell phone use while driving, city officials have told ProNews 7 in the past that they are going to see what lawmakers do in Austin during the upcoming legislative session.
The mayor did point out that the Traffic Commission Board has been asked to look at putting in "No Cell Phone Use" signs in all the schools zones. A law was passed in the last legislative session that allowed cities the option of enforcing the ordinance but it was not a mandate. If adopted by the city commission, the city could legally enforce the "No Use" ordinance in those zones. Many towns in our area including Bushland, Hereford, Pampa and Borger have adopted the ordinance. The mayor said she believes the ordinance would be a good one for the city. If adopted, the city would still have to put signs up around the schools before enforcement can begin, which will take some time.
In recent years, more than 1,000 accidents in Texas were attributed to distracted driving, more than 500 people died in those accidents. A recent report shows that people who text while driving are four times more likely to cause a car crash.
In March of this year, ProNews 7 interviewed Jeenee Brown whose 17 year-old daughter was killed after rolling her truck while texting. Brown said texting is an epidemic and that teens are addicted to it but don't realize the consequences.
Brown was quoted as saying, "Texters don't even look, they're looking down here or they're looking at this little screen instead of looking out the window, so they don't even pay attention, you're four times more likely to have a wreck if you're texting and driving."
On a side note, a recent Rasmussen Report also found that 63% of adults believe that age limits should be set for older drivers to require them to take an annual test before getting their driver license renewed.
Do you text and drive?
