Gretchen Ryan-O'Connor
Texting, sending a message from phone to phone, is a popular phone feature. Teens and adults both enjoy it. But can texting be dangerous?
While driving a friend or family member might send a text and you may want to answer- but it is now banned in 19 states including Rhode Island. Governor Carcieri signed the bill on November 10th, making texting while driving illegal. If caught texting while behind the wheel you will be fined $85 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $125 for a third. Other offenses can and will be more serious. "This law will help put a driver's eyes back on the road where they should be," said Michael Lewis, Department of Transportation director.
Statistics show that the percentage of car accidents caused by texting is 18%; talking on the phone causes up to 50% of accidents. Some states, and Washington D.C., have been toying with the idea of banning talking on handheld cellphones as well to try to further safen roads. In the private sector Verizon is speaking out as well, posting billboards that ask their customers to put the phone down and drive safely.
No text message is that important. While having a phone on you is encouraged for times of emergency, answering a text while driving is unsafe.
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