In hopes of reducing accidents caused by distracted drivers, states and cities nationwide are moving quickly to enact laws banning texting while driving. In Ohio, a statewide ban is currently being debated in the Senate. And some communities across the state, including Cincinnati, Toledo, Columbus and Cleveland, have already taken proactive measures. However, despite the initiation, some say these measures may be futile. A new study indicates that texting bans may actually make the roads more dangerous.
The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) recently conducted a study comparing insurance claims in California, Louisiana, Minnesota and Washington. They compared the claims before and after these states enacted texting bans to claims of neighboring states without texting bans. Surprisingly, HLDI found crash rates actually rose in three of the four states where bans were enacted. The researchers also considered other factors such as month-to-month fluctuations but determined that nothing else could account for the increase.
Potential Reasons for the Study’s Results
Some say the rise in crashes is contributed in-part to drivers texting “below the dashboard.” Drivers are still texting but doing so out of sight below the dashboard to keep the activity out of police view. This practice, some argue, takes the driver’s eyes even further off the road for a longer period of time and causes more accidents.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, however, disagrees with the results of the study. He says reputable research demonstrates that tough laws, good enforcement, and increased public awareness are all effective ways to stop distracted driving accidents. He cited pilot enforcement programs implemented in both Connecticut and New York that revealed increased law enforcement and public service announcements were effective at reducing distracted driving crashes.
HLDI claims, however, that the Department is dedicating too many resources to distracted driving instead of focusing on drunk driving and speeding which cause more deaths. HLDI also says the government should work on adopting and implementing new technologies that have proven effective like blind spot warning systems.
The HLDI and Department of Transportation can agree on, however, is that despite which methods should be implemented, texting while driving is not safe and leads to accidents. The National Traffic Safety Administration numbers show distracted-driving crashes caused nearly 5,500 deaths and almost half a million injuries in 2009.
The Help of a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
If you or someone you know has been injured by a distracted driver, the assistance of an experienced motor vehicle lawyer is vital. An attorney can evaluate any potential claims and offer available options.
