Texting and Driving Prohibited in Arkansas

Commentary Editor

Graphic by Douglas Boultinghouse

   As text messaging becomes more popular, issues arise as a direct result. Although proven hazardous, texting while driving is an issue and despite the dangers people continue to do it.

   According to the National Roads and Motorists Association, text-messaging drivers spend up to 400 percent more time with their eyes on the phone instead of on the road. Recent studies show text messaging is an increasing cause of car accidents throughout the United States. Drivers who text while driving are six times more likely to be distracted and have an accident.

   On Oct.1, a law went into effect prohibiting Arkansas drivers from texting while driving. The law prohibits sending, reading and writing messages while operating a vehicle. This also includes e-mails.

   In 2007-08, state police data reported 1,336 wrecks because of distractions. Cause: “electronic communication devices.”

   Angelia Buford, a senior studying social work, admitted to texting while driving.

   “I do support the new law banning texting while driving. It is a distraction,” Buford said.

   The Associate Professor of Mathematics Charles Dolberry, gave his feelings regarding texting and driving. He said he felt strict consequences should be rewarded to those who do it.

   “Texting or talking on the cell phone while driving is a good way to get someone killed. Research has shown the part of the brain engaged in phone conversation is the same part that is engaged when a person is driving. I cannot count the near misses I have had with someone who was texting or talking on the phone while driving. In some states it is against the law to operate a cell phone and a motor vehicle simultaneously. It should be treated with the same seriousness as driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, and a person who is involved in a fatal accident caused by his or her cell phone use should be charged with vehicular manslaughter,” Dolberry said.

   Texting while driving will be treated as a primary offense meaning an officer can stop a driver if he or she sees it taking place. The local courts will decide the penalty. Drivers can face a $100 fine.

   Joshua Pettigrew, a staff member at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, had a different view of texting and driving.

   “I am against the banning of texting while driving. There are times when it is safe to text while you are inside a vehicle. Stop signs, while parked and traffic jams are safe. There are times when it is not safe. My view is that people make decisions like this constantly on the road. The mere fact that we hurtle down the highways at 55 miles per hour in hunks of metal thousands of pounds in weight inches from passing traffic is remarkable in that it works at all,” Pettigrew said.  “The number of auto accidents in the United States are shocking because they are not an even larger amount. People are currently free to talk to passengers, fiddle with the radio, drink water, carry talkative youngsters and operate the many buttons, switches and other gizmos found in a modern automobile. Drivers make decisions on whether or not these activities should or should not be done at various times during travel based off of their own assessment of risk. Yet, somehow millions of us commute everyday without smashing into one another. Banning texting might make us feel like we've done something to make us safer, but we are only fooling ourselves. Driving is a dangerous activity that we trust others to do everyday. I don't think micromanaging their activities will help matters.”

   The American Automobile Association of Colorado offers tips to teens are parents to prevent sending and receiving text.

   Tips for Teens

• Don't be tempted: turn off your cell phone. Let voicemail capture your voice and text messages.
• If you have to call or text while driving, pull off the road safely and stop.
• Recognize that text messaging can be a habit. Get support from your friends by letting them know you are working on breaking the texting habit.
• If you think you will still be tempted to text and drive, put your phone somewhere you can't reach it, like the trunk.
• Take control of your cell phone, don't let it control you. You are the only one who decides when and if you send and read a text message.

   Tips for Parents:

• Don't call/text your teen at times when you know they are likely to be driving.
• Review your teen's cell phone bill with them to see if they are texting at times they are likely to be driving.
• Share this information with your teen.
• Establish family rules that prohibit texting while driving.
• Set a good example, don't text and drive.

   Talk2Us.com  personal assistant provides features to help the consumer save time and be more responsive. It allows you to dictate e-mails, text messages and notes. The messages will be transcribed and sent to the recipient.

   With the ban being active in several states, companies are accommodating their consumers needs.

   One thing remains the same, texting and driving is against the law and if caught, a citation will be issued.

Have a comment? Please e-mail us.

©The Voice 2009