OTHER OPINIONS : Driven to distraction
Posted: October 20, 2009 at 7:05 a.m.
LAKELAND, Fla. — With the stroke of the presidential pen last month, texting while driving became a forbidden activity for millions of federal workers.
The new decree sends an important message, not just to government employees but to an entire nation of drivers who spend too much time focused on everything but the road. We just hope they’re not so busy multitasking that they fail to notice. …
Research has shown that in texting, drivers regularly take their eyes off the road for more than five seconds at a time. …
Advocates say a total ban is needed - a stance that collides with motorists’ growing tendency to use their wireless electronics while driving.
Whether by policy or by law, a ban on texting while driving poses enforcement challenges. Catching violators can be difficult, and texting has become so habitual that many drivers ignore restrictions.
Heavier ticketing and higher penalties might persuade more motorists to do the right thing.
Innovation also could help.
Technology created the texting problem, and perhaps it can help solve it. There are products, for example, that can shut down a wireless device when it senses the car is in motion.
Still, drivers shouldn’t need a machine to make them do what common sense demands: Put aside distractions and focus on the road.
Opinion, Pages 4 on 10/20/2009
(Advertisement)
« Previous Story
Times Editorial : That didn’t take long
So six days ago a very intelligent, community-minded individual suggested with all due seriousness that Arkansas change its newly adopted lottery. How, pray tell? Read »
Next Story »
Still awful?
Early last spring President Obama talked Congress into spending a whopping $787 billion on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Widely referred to as the federal sti... Read »
Comments
To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Please read our comment policy.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Registration is required to make comments. Click here to LOGIN.
You can register for FREE to post comments and receive alerts.