Governors Highway Safety Assoc. backs texting ban

The GHSA cited a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that found drivers who are texting increase the risk of a crash or near-crash by 23 times.

The Associated Press

8/31/2009

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The national association representing state highway safety officials on Sunday threw its support behind a growing movement to ban text messaging by drivers, reversing its previous stand.

The Governors Highway Safety Association had come out against new laws banning texting behind the wheel on the grounds that such legislation would prove impossible to enforce. "Highway safety laws are only effective if they can be enforced and if the public believes they will be ticketed for not complying," GHSA Chairman Vernon F. Betkey Jr. said in July.

But as more officials raise the alarm about the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers, the GHSA has reversed its thinking. It points out that laws enforcing seat belt use and drunk driving laws also faced challenges, but are now common practice.

"If every state passes a texting ban, it will send a message to the public that this dangerous practice is unacceptable," Betkey said in a statement Sunday at the association's annual meeting in Savannah, Ga. "We can begin to change the culture that has permitted distracted driving."

The GHSA cited a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that found drivers who are texting increase the risk of a crash or near-crash by 23 times.

"We want to send the strongest message possible about texting behind the wheel — it is dangerous and should not be tolerated," Betkey said.

Some still want to see more evidence that texting causes accidents. Others argue that existing statutes already cover cell phone use. But many states have moved ahead with new laws. At least 14 states and the District of Columbia have passed rules against texting. Local officials are acting as well. Cleveland has instituted a ban and the mayor of Toledo, Ohio, called for one this month.

On the federal level, Democratic lawmakers in Congress have called for states to pass new laws, and the Obama administration is planning to hold a summit on the issue of cell phone use and texting while driving next month.

Barb Kampbell of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at barbkampbell@thetrucker.com.

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