Poll: 90 Percent Say Ban Texting in Cars

Americans are not fans of texting while driving.

According to a CBS News/New York Times poll released Sunday, a whopping 90 percent of Americans think punching out text messages while behind the wheel should be outlawed, compared with just 8 percent who think it's okay.

An overwhelming majority opposed to texting in the car is seen across age groups as well, though younger Americans are slightly more tolerant of the practice. Even then, only 16 percent of respondents between 18 and 29 are in favor, with 83 percent opposed.

Shocking Stats on Texting While Driving

Ninety-four percent of Americans over the age of 45 think it should be illegal.

Opposition is steady among cell phone users and those with land lines, with 90 percent of both groups against the practice.

And men and women largely agree on the issue. Eighty-eight percent of men think it should be illegal, with 10 percent approving while 92 percent of women say it should be outlawed, with just 6 percent saying it's no problem.

This poll was conducted among a random sample of 1042 adults nationwide, interviewed by telephone September 19-23, 2009. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus 3 percent.

[sukhjit2008]

Thank you for this report. The numbers are shocking, but needed to understand the importance of staying focused while behind the wheel. I just got a brand new phone last week that I chose because it allows me to be connected via multimedia.. texting, tweeting, calling, pictures, video.. you name it. I'm a big social media junkie and post to twitter and facebook often. After seeing the numbers I am putting the phone down while behind the wheel. I posed a short video about it on my work blog and was happy to see many voices of support. http://electronicsblog.sel.sony.com/sony/blog_post/?contentid=7019643288625372101 It's a good discussion and I'm glad it's been started.

Thank you again for reporting on this important story.

Sukhjit Ghag

[jxknowles]

There should be a law on the books against drivers using hand-held electronic devices while driving.

[RMS47]

Any texting while driving is bad. People who text are 3-4 times more likely to get into a wreck, similar to drunk driving. But most people say it won't happen to them, until it does.

http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com

[Oregon_State_OSU]

In the last year I upgraded to a phone cell phone that has a full keyboard and finally made it into the texting age.

I tried it a few times while driving and realized how dangerous it was and refuse to text while I am behind the wheel. If somebody texts me while I am behind the wheel and driving I will call them back. I dont even try to text while I am at a Stop Light, I just dont do it.

[hungry1968-16]

by pickaguitar1 September 28, 2009 9:19 AM EDT
Ban Texting in Cars? HELL NO.


We don't need another stinkin rule/law telling us what we can and can't do!






There's no law prohibiting you from wearing a ski mask into a bank either.

Why don't you try it and let us know how that works out for you?

[tomanyt]

Texting is idiotic anyway. If you want say something CALL.

[KrystalKid]

80% percent of all rear end collisions (the most frequent vehicle accident) are caused by driver inattention, following too closely, external distraction (talking on cell phones, shaving, applying makeup, fiddling with the radio or CD player, kids, texting, etc.) and poor judgement.

It's almost impossible to avoid the rear end collision so I went out and got one of these sparebumper.com

[myopinionpal]

Make a national law that says first time offenders texting while driving is a $1000.00 fine, and if there is a death because of it then your car is taken from you and the fine goes up to $5000.00 and two years in jail.

[sripton]

I would support an anti texting measure if my state, Az would also require motorcyclists to wear helmets and prevent unrestrained riders in the back of pickup trucks, but they don't so although I never text while moving and only occasionally answer a hands free call before pulling over, it doesn't make sense until they address these even more horrific safety concerns, and by the way as of 10/1/09, patrons in bars in AZ can carry concealed weapons CRAZY AZ

[Lawyers-Guns-n-Money-01]

Arizona eh? Well I can tell you that they don't serve beer to belligerent bears in bars in Billings.

[poochie44]

Ban texting and talking while driving unless it is an emergency. I've had a cell phone for quite a few years now. I don't turn it on while I drive because I don't need to talk to someone that bad that it can't wait 10 or 15 minutes or until I get home. If a call does need to be made then I either have my daughter make it or it waits.
As for texting, really, what's the point? Whatever happened to good old fashioned face-to-face communication? I think it's all gotten out of hand and people don't feel secure unless they've got the stupid phone attached to them 24 hrs a day.