Texting while driving

Last updated
Texting while driving creates unnecessary distractions, and can be dangerous. Texting while Driving (March 28, 2013).jpg
Texting while driving creates unnecessary distractions, and can be dangerous.

Texting while driving, also called texting and driving, is the act of composing, sending, or reading text messages on a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle. Texting while driving is considered extremely dangerous by many people, including authorities, and in some places has either been outlawed or restricted. As a form of distracted driving, texting while driving significantly increases the chances that a driver will be involved in a motor vehicle accident. [1]

Contents

Prevalence

Research by the NHTSA suggested that an estimated 660,000 drivers out of almost 212 million licensed drivers used their phones at any given daylight moment in the U.S. during driving in 2011. [2] According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, drivers between the ages of 20 to 29 are the most likely to text while driving. [3] The International Telecommunication Union states that "texting, making calls, and other interaction with in-vehicle information and communication systems while driving is a serious source of driver distraction and increases the risk of traffic accidents". [4]

Research

The scientific literature on the dangers of driving while sending a text message from a mobile phone, or driving while texting, is limited but growing. A simulation study at the Monash University Accident Research Center provided strong evidence that retrieving and, in particular, sending text messages has a detrimental effect on a number of safety-critical driving measures. [5] Specifically, negative effects were seen in detecting and responding correctly to road signs, detecting hazards, time spent with eyes off the road, and (only for sending text messages) lateral position. Mean speed, speed variability, lateral position when receiving text messages, and following distance showed no difference. [6] A separate, yet unreleased simulation study at the University of Utah found a sixfold increase in distraction-related crashes when texting. [7]

The low number of scientific studies may be indicative of a general assumption that if talking on a mobile phone increases risk, then texting also increases risk, and probably more so. 89% of U.S. adults think that text messaging while driving is "distracting, dangerous and should be outlawed". [8] The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has released polling data that show that 87% of people consider texting and e-mailing while driving a "very serious" safety threat, almost equivalent to the 90% of those polled who consider drunk driving a threat. Recently,[ when? ] AAA released a study showing texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving. [9]

Despite the acknowledgement of the dangers of texting behind the wheel, about half of drivers 16 to 24 say they have texted while driving, compared with 22 percent of drivers 35 to 44. [10] A survey of more than 90 teens from more than 26 high schools throughout the United States conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance Group in 2006 showed that 46% of students consider texting to be either "very" or "extremely" distracting. [11] An American Automobile Association study showed that 34% of teens (age 16–17) admitted to being distracted behind the wheel because of texting and 40% of American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger. [12] A study involving commercial vehicle operators conducted in September 2009 concluded that though incidence of texting within their data set was low, texting while driving increased the risk of accident significantly. [13]

Texting while driving received greater attention in the late 2000s, corresponding to a rise in the number of text messages being sent. [10] The 2008 Will Smith movie Seven Pounds deals with Smith's character committing suicide in order to donate his organs to help save the lives of seven people to make up for the seven people he killed in a car accident because he was receiving a text message while he was driving. Texting while driving attracted interest in the media after several highly publicized car crashes were caused by texting drivers, including a May 2009 incident involving a Boston trolley car driver who crashed while texting his girlfriend. [14] Texting was blamed in the 2008 Chatsworth train collision which killed 25 passengers. Investigations revealed that the engineer of that train had sent 45 text messages while operating. Despite these incidents, texting was still on the rise.

A July 2010 Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind poll found 25% of New Jersey voters admitted to sending a text while driving, which was an increase from 15% in 2008. This increase could be attributed to drivers over the age of 30 sending text messages. More than 35% of New Jersey drivers aged 30 to 45 and 17% of drivers over 45 admitted to having sent a text message while driving in the last year, an increase of 5–10% from 2008. [15] Several studies have attempted to compare the dangers of texting while driving with driving under the influence. One such study was conducted by Car and Driver magazine in June 2009. [16] The study, carried out at the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport in Oscoda, Michigan, used two drivers in real cars and measured reaction times to the onset of light on the windshield. The study compared the reaction times and distances of the subjects while reading a text message, replying to the text message, and impaired. The study showed that at 35 mph (56 km/h), reading a text message increased the reaction time the most, 0.12 and 0.87 seconds. Impaired driving at the same speed resulted in an increase of 0.01 and 0.07 seconds. In terms of stopping distances these times were estimated to mean:

On September 29, 2010, the insurance industry's Highway Loss Data Institute released research purporting to show that texting-while-driving bans in four states failed to reduce crashes and may instead have contributed to an increase in road crashes. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the study "completely misleading". [18]

In March 2012, the UK's Institute of Advanced Motorists published a study which claimed that using social media puts a driver at greater risk than driving under the influence. [19] In 2013, based on the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System Survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control in the US, nearly half of all male and female respondents aged 16 to 19 reported they texted while driving. [20]

In 2013, the National Safety Council estimated there were about 1.4 million crashes in the US involving cell phone use. Their model predicted text messaging was involved in 6-16% of all car accidents in the US. [21] In 2010, texting while driving among young drivers was named a disease burden and ranked 8th overall in the global years of life lost (YLL). The premature mortality of young drivers who crash as a result of distracted driving has a greater effect on YLL than most diseases do. [22]

Research by the Transport Research Laboratory showed that texting while driving slowed a driver's reaction time more so than drinking alcohol or using drugs. Driver's reaction times decreased by 46% while making a call, 37% when texting and driving, and 27% during hands-free calls. Those who were drinking and driving at the limit of 80 mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, reaction times slowed by 13% and 21% for those under the influence of cannabis. [23] [24]

A study by the University of Buffalo revealed that a similar habit, texting while walking, causes more injuries than texting while driving. [25]

In November 2014, Sawyer et al., from the University of Central Florida and the US Air Force Research Laboratory, published the results of comparative study in a driving simulator. Messages sent through Google Glass posed a decreased distraction but still impaired drivers. [26]

In October 2016, Texas A&M Transportation Institute and Aceable Driving published a study showing that teenagers are more likely to witness their parents or legal guardians driving distracted than their friends and peers. [27] The study also suggested that texting and driving bans are somewhat effective. In Austin, Texas, where a hands-free-driving ordinance prohibiting the use of electronic hand-held devices while operating a vehicle or bicycle has been in place since 2015, 41% of teens reported that they never witnessed their parents or guardians driving distracted. [28] In Houston, Texas, which had no ban on hand-held devices during the time of the study, only 23% of teens said the same. [29]

Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study

On July 27, 2009, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) released preliminary findings of their study of driver distraction in commercial vehicles. [30] Several naturalistic driving studies, of long-haul trucks as well as lighter vehicles driving six million combined miles, used video cameras to observe the drivers and road. Researchers observed 4,452 "safety-critical" events, which includes crashes, near crashes, safety-critical events, and lane deviations. 81% of the "safety-critical" events involved some type of driver distraction. Text messaging had the greatest relative risk, with drivers of heavy vehicles or trucks being more than 23 times more likely to experience a safety-critical event when texting. [31] The study found that drivers typically take their eyes off the forward roadway for an average of four out of six seconds when texting, and an average of 4.6 out of the six seconds surrounding safety-critical events. The study revealed that when traveling at 55 miles per hour (89 km/h), a driver texting for 6 seconds is looking at the phone for 4.6 seconds of that time and travels the distance of a football field without their eyes on the road. Some of VTTI's conclusions from this study included that "texting should be banned in moving vehicles for all drivers", and that "all cell phone use should be banned for newly licensed teen drivers". The results of the study are listed in the table below.

Risk increases of cell phone tasks by vehicle type
Type of vehicleCell phone taskRisk of crash or near event crash
(compared to non-distracted driving)
Light VehicleDialing2.8 times as high
Talking/Listening1.3 times as high
Reaching for object (e.g. electronic device)1.4 times as high
Heavy Vehicles/TrucksDialing5.9 times as high
Talking/Listening1.0 times as high
Reach for electronic device6.7 times as high
Text messaging23.2 times as high

Distracted vs. impaired driving

A 2010 experiment with Car and Driver magazine editor Eddie Alterman, which took place at a deserted air strip, showed that texting while driving had a worse impact on safety than driving while intoxicated. The Institute of Industrial Engineers concluded that drivers are 20 times more likely to be involved in an crash while texting and driving as opposed to driving while intoxicated. [32]

While legally drunk, Alterman's stopping distance from 70 mph (110 km/h) increased by 4 feet (1.2 m); by contrast, reading an e-mail added 36 feet (11 m), and sending a text added 70 feet (21 m). [33] While celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey have campaigned against texting while driving, there are reports that the message has not been getting through. [34] The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also seeks to bring awareness to the issue and has designated April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. [35]

Problematic mobile phone use

In March 2023, Accident Analysis & Prevention published a systematic review of 47 samples across 45 studies investigating associations between problematic mobile phone use and road safety outcomes (including 32 samples of drivers, 9 samples of pedestrians, 5 samples with road use type unspecified, and 1 sample of motorcyclists and bicyclists) that found that problematic mobile phone use was associated with greater risk of simultaneous mobile phone use and road use and risk of vehicle collisions and pedestrian collisions or falls. [36]

Dangers

The popularity of mobile devices has some unintended and even dangerous consequences. The use of mobile devices is linked to a significant increase in distracted driving, resulting in injury and even loss of life.

Laws by location

Legality of mobile phone use while driving:
.mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{}
Illegal in all cases
Hands-on illegal, hands-free legal
Talking legal, texting illegal
Phone use legal
No data Legality of phone use while driving worldmap.svg
Legality of mobile phone use while driving:
  Illegal in all cases
  Hands-on illegal, hands-free legal
  Talking legal, texting illegal
  Phone use legal
  No data

A number of countries ban all cell phone use while driving (talking and texting).

Australia

The laws are much the same for all states and territories in Australia. The driver of a vehicle (except an emergency vehicle, taxi or police vehicle) must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, unless the driver is exempt from this rule under another law of this jurisdiction. The law does not apply if the phone is in a secured fixed mounting that is positioned in such a way that the driver does not have to take their eyes off the road. The law also does not apply if the driver is using a hands free device. In some jurisdictions, provisional or learner drivers are banned from all forms of mobile phone usage while they are in control of a vehicle. Apart from mobile phones, drivers should not appear to be distracted by anything else; this includes GPS devices and PDAs.

Canada

In 2003, the first ban on cellphone use while driving was enforced within Canada. Since then, this ban has spread to all of the remaining provinces in the country. This ban does not include the use of hands-free devices. [40]

Germany

Any use of a mobile phone is forbidden as long as the vehicle's engine is running. This does however not apply to hand-free devices, provided that the driver does not become distracted. In 2014 a higher court overturned a ruling of a lower court and ruled that the use of a mobile phone is allowed while in traffic, if it occurs while the vehicle is stopped and a start-stop system has turned the engine off. [41]

Netherlands

Any use of a mobile phone is forbidden if the vehicle is moving. This does not apply, however, to hands-free devices. [42]

New Zealand

In 2009, the New Zealand Government introduced new clauses to its Land Transport (Road User) Rule, which ban any use of mobile phones while driving, except for emergency calling to 111 or *555 (only if unsafe or impracticable to stop the vehicle to make the call). [43] [44]

Sweden

The Government of Sweden, as of December 22, 2012, has stated that texting while driving is not an offence that can lead to a ban, but that it is looking to clarify the Highway Code to include it under reckless driving. [45] In 2013, Sweden outlawed mobile telephone activities if it affects driving in a negative way. [46]

United Arab Emirates

The use of mobiles while driving is prohibited and offenders can also expect to have demerit points added to their record. In one instance a UAE minister was himself given a fine for using his mobile phone while driving. [47]

United Kingdom

Driver texting while driving a car in the United Kingdom TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.jpg
Driver texting while driving a car in the United Kingdom

Any use of a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving, or supervising a learner driver, is illegal. This includes when stopped at traffic lights. The only exceptions are emergency calls to 999 or 112, making a contactless payment while stationary, for instance at a drive-through or toll booth, or using the device to remotely park your vehicle. [48]

United States

Texting while driving is generally outlawed for drivers in all states and the District of Columbia except Montana and formerly Missouri until August 28, 2023, when a law took effect banning cell phone use while driving. Citations will be issued for violation beginning January 1, 2025. [49]

On October 1, 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced President Barack Obama's signing of an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles, among other activities. [50] According to Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood, "This order sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unacceptable. It shows that the federal government is leading by example." As a part of a larger move to combat distracted driving, the DOT and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched the public information website distraction.gov. [51] In addition, a petition has been created on the White House petitions site, We the People, to ask the Obama administration to encourage all states that have not done so to create laws that ban texting and driving. [52]

On January 26, 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a federal ban on texting while driving by truckers and bus drivers. [53]

[54]

Existing laws

StateEffectiveRestrictionPenaltyOther detailsSource
Alabama August 1, 2012Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers. Ban on texting for all drivers.Penalties include a $25 fine for the first offense, increasing to $50 and $75 and two points on the driver's license. [55]
Alaska September 1, 2008
May 11, 2012
House Bill 8 prohibits drivers from using electronic devices with a visual display (e.g. televisions or computers) while driving. The law does not specify cell phones, though it can be interpreted this way, and is seen as a ban on texting and driving.  HB 255 was signed into law May 11, 2012, and specifically targets "cell phone texting".  The previous 2008 HB 8 and 2012 HB 255 laws do provide for exceptions, such a caller ID usage while making a voice phone call and using GPS devices.Alaska's anti-texting laws are considered "primary" laws, which means that an officer can pull one over for an offense without having witnessed another violation. Anyone that violates this law (depending on the circumstances) would only be guilty of a misdemeanor and if a driver is in a crash that results in an injury or death, then they would be charged with a felony.For the 2008 HB 8, violators are guilty of misdemeanor. If death is caused by violation, violator is guilty of a felony. For the 2012 HB 255, violators are guilty of a Class A Misdemeanor (same as DUI) and can result in a $250 to $500 fine for first-time offenders, but could result in jail time. (Need Citation) [56]
2008 HB 8
2012 HB 255
Arizona April 2019Prohibits all drivers from using a cellphone or a stand-alone electronic device while driving unless it is being used in a hands-free mode. There are exceptions to the law, including emergency responders, people in an emergency situation or alerting first responders to an emergency situation or crime.First violation: $75 - $149

Subsequent violation: $150 - $250

Simple tasks such as engaging and disengaging a function on the device such as GPS route start and answering or ending a call are permitted, as long as they do not significantly distract the driver from the road. [57] [58]
Arkansas October 2009All drivers, regardless of age or experience, prohibited from sending text messages while drivingOffenders can face fines up to $100.Known as HB1013 or "Paul's Law". Exempts emergency service providers in the provision of services. A violation of the law is a primary offense, meaning it can be the sole reason for a traffic stop. [59] [60]
California January 1, 2009Prohibits use of any handheld electronic device while driving$20 first offense
$50 each subsequent offense
[61] [62]
Colorado December 1, 2009Prohibits sending text messages, email, or tweets while drivingFirst offense: 4 points and $300 fine for adults. 1 point and $50 fine for minor drivers

Subsequent violation: 4 points and $1,000 fine for adults. 1 point and $100 fine for minor drivers

Also prohibits drivers under 18 from talking on a cellphone while driving [63] [64] [65]
Connecticut June 3, 2010Use of any handheld device for any purpose other than to report a life-threatening emergency is prohibited$100 first offense
$150 second offense
$250 third or subsequent offense
Also prohibits drivers under 18 and school bus drivers carrying passengers from talking on a cellphone while driving [66]
Delaware January 2, 2011Hand-held devices illegal for all drivers$50 first offense
$100 second offense
$200 third or subsequent offense
Also prohibits drivers under 18 from talking on hands-free cell phones while driving [67]
District of Columbia UnknownAll handheld cell phone use bannedFirst time offenders will have their fines suspended, but only if they submit proof of that they have acquired a hands free device. If a driver is from another jurisdiction and are ticketed for a cell phone driving infraction, then they may lose their driver's license if they have failed to pay their Washington D.C. ticket. There is a $100 fine for repeat offenders for each violation.The ban is considered to be a "primary" law, as it does prohibit use of cell phones by bus drivers. A primary law is when an officer can pull you over for an offense without even having to witness another violation, to say that if an officer see you texting he can issue you a citation. [68]
Florida October 1, 2013Senate bill SB 52 prohibits drivers in Florida from typing into a virtual keyboard and sending or reading messages. However, a driver can only be charged for the violation if they are cited for another motor vehicle violation.If officers pull a driver over for another offense and see that the driver was also texting, drivers would be subject to a $30 fine on the first offense. If texting results in a crash, the driver would be assessed six points. Points lead to increased insurance rates. [69] [70]
Georgia July 1, 2010 (Texting)

July 1, 2018 (All)

Prohibits writing, sending, or reading any text-based communication, including via internet; also prohibits drivers under 18 with provisional licenses from talking on cell phones while driving.

Prohibits holding or supporting, with any part of the body, a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device.

1st conviction – 1 point and $50.00 fine

2nd conviction – 2 points and $100.00 fine

3rd or more convictions – 3 points and $150.00 fine

The ban is considered to be a "primary" law, as it does prohibit use of cell phones by bus drivers. A primary law is when an officer can pull you over for an offense without even having to witness another violation, to say that if an officer see you texting he can issue you a citation. [71] [72] [73]
Hawaii July 1, 2013Illegal to use most electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle$200 for a first offenseThe State of Hawaii does not use a point system, so texting while driving violations will not access any points assessed on a driver's license, and because this penalty is not deemed to be a traffic infraction, it has no effect on one's driving record. [74]
Idaho July 1, 2012Illegal for all driversAnyone who violates this law will be guilty of an infraction and will not result in any violation point counts as it is as prescribed in section 49-326, of Idaho Code. Additionally a conviction will not be deemed as a moving traffic violation for the purpose of establishing rates of motor vehicle insurance that is charged by a casualty insurer. [75] [76]
Illinois January 1, 2010Illegal for all drivers to use handheld devices. Only hands-free devices such as speakerphones, Bluetooth, and headsets are permitted. In addition to the ban on using handheld devices, all cell phone use is prohibited while driving in a school zone, in a construction zone, and all cell phone use is prohibited for novice drivers. Texting is prohibited for all drivers in Illinois.Violation fines start at $75This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [77]
Indiana July 1, 2011All drivers prohibited from reading or sending text messages. Drivers under 18 prohibited from using cell phones for any purpose. Up to $500 fine.Up to $500 fine. [78]
Iowa July 1, 2010Adults are banned from text messaging while driving and teens are prohibited from using handheld electronic devices.$30 for adults texting while driving and $50 for teens using handheld electronic devices [79]
Kansas May 24, 2010Illegal for all drivers this includes to report a current or Report current or ongoing illegal activity to law enforcement; to prevent imminent injury to a person or property; or to relay information between transit or for-hire operator and the operator's dispatcher, in which the device is permanently affixed to the motor vehicle.$60Exemptions to the ban includes: (1) A law enforcement officer or emergency service personnel acting within the course and scope of the law enforcement officer's or emergency service personnel's employment; (2) a motor vehicle stopped off the regular traveled portion of the roadway; (3) a person who reads, selects or enters a telephone number or name in a wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a phone call; (4) a person who receives an emergency, traffic or weather alert message; or (5) a person receiving a message related to the operation or navigation of the motor vehicle. [80]
Kentucky July 15, 2010House Bill 415 prohibits the following:
  • Reading, writing, and sending email or text messages by all drivers when the vehicle is in motion.
  • All cell phone usage by drivers under 18, regardless of license type. Exceptions for emergencies, and for GPS use that does not involve data entry.
Warnings until January 1, 2011. After that date:
  • $25 for first offense
  • $50 for subsequent offenses
  • For drivers under 18 on restricted licenses, mandatory 180-day waiting period from the time of offense before graduating to the next license level. This applies from the law's effective date.
Drivers 18 and over allowed to read, select and enter phone numbers or names in order to make a call. All drivers allowed to use GPS features and drivers 18 and over allowed to enter data for GPS purposes at all times. [81]
Louisiana August 15, 2010SB9 prohibits the following: Text messaging ban for all drivers.Primary enforcement begins August 15, 2010:
  • Fines up to $175 (first offense)
  • $500 (second offense)
Drivers under 18 years old may not use wireless devices — including cell phones, text-messaging units and computers — while operating motor vehicles
  • Drivers with learner's and intermediate licenses prohibited from using cell phones unless a hands-free device is attached
[82]
Maine September 26, 2011Prohibits texting while drivingFine of $100 for first offense and then increased fines for subsequent offenses.This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [83]
Maryland July 1, 2009Prohibits writing or sending text messages as well as using handheld cell phones while operating motor vehicle or while in the travel portion of the roadway.Fine up to $500Exception for use of GPS or emergency situations. [84] [85]
Massachusetts July 6, 2010Prohibits drivers from sending a text or instant message, use of electronic mail, Internet access, and all of the above on electronic devices including phones, laptops, pagers, or other hand-held devices.First offense: $100, second offense: $250, and 3rd offense: $500; If one is under 18, 1st offense: $100 fine in addition to a 60-day license suspension, and attend a mandatory "attitude" class. 2nd offense: $250 fine and a 180-day suspension. 3rd offense: $500 fine and a-one year suspension.GPSs are still allowed. Use of a phone is banned to all people under 18. Once 18, a driver can make hands-free or normal calls. Also, the bill requires anyone over 75 to get a driving test every five years and take a vision test. [86] [87] [88]
Michigan July 1, 2010Reading, typing, or sending while vehicle is moving$100 first offense
$200 each subsequent offense
Exception for use of GPS or emergency situations. [89] [90]
Minnesota August 1, 2008Any form of text messaging while driving is illegal, and is considered a petty misdemeanor statewide.Up to $300.Also prohibits drivers under 18 from talking on a cellphone while driving; GPS and cell phone usage still allowed. [91] [92] [93]
Mississippi 2014Illegal for all driversFines up to $500; or $1,000 if a crash results. [94] [95]
Missouri August 28, 2016Text messaging while operating a motor vehicle prohibited for persons under 21 and for commercial vehicle operators.Points assessed against licenseThis is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [96]
Montana 2009-2013In cities such as Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Whitefish, Butte-Silver Bow, Hamilton, Great Falls and Billings. It is illegal to text while operating a vehicle.$50 First offense, $100 second offense, $200 third offense. 2 point moving violation is added onto one's record. [97]
Nebraska 2013–2014Text messaging is banned for all drivers on Nebraska's roads and highways. Those drivers under the age of 18 who have either a learner's permit or other intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cellphones altogether.Fines $200–$500 plus 3 points against driver's license. [98]
Nevada July 1, 2011Drivers are prohibited from using either a cell phone or other wireless communications device to access or search the Internet, or to type, enter, send, or read any non-voice communication, including text messages, instant messages (IM), or email. Global positioning systems (GPS) are not covered by the law.Fines of up to $50 for a first offense; $100 for a second offense that occurs within seven years; and $250 for a third offense if this occurs within seven years. Higher fines are imposed on drivers who violate the law in traffic control zones.Ban does not apply to emergency personnel, or licensed amateur radio operators who are communicating certain public information, employees of public utilities who are responding to emergencies, or drivers who are reporting emergencies or responding to dangerous situations. [99] [100]
New Hampshire January 1, 2010Use of handheld devices is illegal for all drivers$100This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [101] [102]
New Jersey March 1, 2008All drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones except if: (1) The operator has reason to fear for his life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated against himself or another person; or (2) The operator is using the telephone to report to appropriate authorities a fire, a traffic accident, a serious road hazard or medical or hazardous materials emergency, or to report the operator of another motor vehicle who is driving in a reckless, careless or otherwise unsafe manner or who appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.$200 to $400 for the first offense, $400 to $600 for the second offense, and up to $800, three points on your license. Possible 90-day suspension of license.Anyone under the age of 21 who have either a learner's permits or probationary licenses are prohibited from using all cell phones, texting devices and other hand-held or hands-free wireless electronic devices while driving (this includes MP3 players, video games, and similar devices). [103] [104]
New Mexico UnknownIllegal for all drivers$25 for a first offense, then $50.This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [105] [106]
New York 2009No person shall operate a motor vehicle while using any portable electronic device while such vehicle is in motion. "Using" shall mean holding a portable electronic device while viewing, taking or transmitting images, playing games, or composing, sending, reading, viewing, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving or retrieving e-mail, text messages, or other electronic data.Fine up to $150 plus mandatory $85 surcharge fees. Violation also carries 5 driver violation points. Those who are driving on a permit, junior license or probationary licence will have their license suspended for 120 days on the first offense and one year for subsequent offenses.Does not apply to (a) the use of a portable electronic device for the sole purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; a hospital; a physician's office or health clinic; an ambulance company or corps; a fire department, district or company; or a police department, (b) any of the following persons while in the performance of their official duties: a police officer or peace officer; a member of a fire department, district or company; or the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle as defined in section one hundred one of this chapter. [107] [108]
North Carolina December 1, 2009Text messaging as well email and internet use is prohibited for all drivers. Drivers under the age of 18 who have a provisional are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, unless they are calling their parents. Operators of school buses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
  • Texting, email and internet use: $100 and no points against license.
  • Drivers under 18 using cellphone: $25.
  • School bus operators using cell phones $100, no points.
[109] [110] [111]
North Dakota August 1, 2011Text messaging is prohibited for all drivers, and driver under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any electronic communications devices, including cell phones.$100 fine.This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [112] [113]
Ohio August 28, 2012Illegal for all drivers
  • Primary offense for drivers under 18 years old. Youth drivers may be stopped and cited for texting while driving.
  • Secondary offense for adult drivers. Adult drivers must be stopped for another offense before they can be cited.
For offenders under 18:

1st offense: $150 fine and 60-day license suspension 2nd offense: $300 fine and 1-year license suspension and 6 months in prison

For offenders over 18: $150 fine

The use of any handheld device by drivers under the age of 18 is illegal. [114] [115]
Oklahoma November 1, 2015It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on any street or highway within this state while using a hand-held electronic communication device to manually compose, send or read an electronic text message while the motor vehicle is in motion.Maximum fine of $100. No points on driving record.Oklahoma State Governor Mary Fallen signed House Bill 1965 on May 5, 2015, making texting while driving illegal in the state. The act went into law on November 1, 2015. [116] [117] [118] [119]
Oregon January 2010House Bill 2377 prohibits all drivers from using a mobile communication device while operating a motor vehicle. A mobile communication device is defined as "a text messaging device or a wireless, two-way communication device designed to receive and transmit voice or text communication."

House Bill 2872 prohibits drivers that are under 18 years of age from using any type of mobile communication device such as a cell-phone. This includes text-messaging and does not allow for hands-free operation of a cell-phone. This law applies if one is under 18 and driving with a provisional driver's license, a special student driver permit, or an instruction driver permit.

Minimum fine of $142.00HB 2377 exempts use of hands-free devices by all drivers 18 and over; some drivers who use a mobile communications device while driving if the vehicle is necessary for the person's job; and some drivers who use radios (CB-style) while in the scope of their employment. [120]
Pennsylvania March 8, 2012Text messaging while driving prohibited for all drivers. There is no statewide limit on cell phone use, but some local ordinances address cell phones and driving.$50 fine [121] [122]
Rhode Island 2009Text messaging outlawed for all drivers on Rhode Island roads. Those under the age of 18 prohibited from using cell phones altogether. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.$85 for the first offense, then $100 and then $125.Considered "primary" laws, which means that an officer can pull one over and issue a citation for the offense without having to witness some other violation. [123] [124]
South Carolina June 9, 2014Prohibits driver from writing, sending or reading a text while driving, but can text only if they are legally stopped or are using a hands-free device. Also includes social media & emails.$25 fine the first offence; $50 fine for subsequent offencesKnown as bill S 459, it supersedes at least 19 different city, as well as two county, ordinances on texting. Exception for use of GPS or emergency situations. [125] [126] [127] [128] [129] [130] [131]
South Dakota 2013All drivers are banned from text messaging while driving. Drivers who are under the age of 18 who have a restricted/learners license are banned from using handheld wireless communications devices. At least nine South Dakota cities have distracted driving ordinances — Rapid City, Huron, Watertown, Brookings, Mitchell, Vermillion, Aberdeen, Box Elder and Sioux Falls.$100 [132] [133]
Tennessee July 1, 2009All drivers prohibited from transmitting or reading a written message while vehicle is in motionUp to $50
Plus court costs not to exceed $10
Also known as Senate Bill 393. [134]
Texas September 1, 2017Texas legislators enforce texting while driving laws and bans.Anyone who violates this law receives a ticket and faces a misdemeanor charge, also receives a fine between $25 and $99.Anyone who is responsible for an individual's death or serious injury from texting while driving face a fine up to $4000. [135]
Utah May 2009Texting, accessing the internet, manually dialing a number and other similar use of a handheld device is prohibited while driving. Exceptions to this law are talking, using voice commands, and GPS navigation.First offence: Class C misdemeanor

Second offence: Class B misdemeanor Automatic Class B misdemeanor if the person inflicted serious bodily injury upon another as a proximate result of using a handheld wireless communication device for text messaging or electronic mail communication while operating a moving motor vehicle

[136] [137]
Vermont October 1, 2014All "portable electronic device" usage banned for drivers under 18

Handheld electronic devices are banned for all drivers

First offense: $100 fine + surcharge + 15% = $156 and 2 points on license. Junior Operators (under 18) subject to 30-day suspension.

Second offense (within two years of first): $250 fine + surcharge + 15% = $329, 5 points on license. Junior operators subject to 30-day suspension.

[138]
Virginia 2009

January 1, 2021

Use of phone to talk is allowed, but text or email by the driver whilst vehicle is operational on state roads is prohibited. An exception exists for using GPS, dialing a number to make a call, or reporting an emergency. School bus drivers are prohibited from using cell phones either handheld or hands-free.

As of January 1, 2021, all handheld use of a phone will be prohibited. Exceptions allowed for when lawfully parked or stopped, emergency vehicles, reporting an emergency, using the radio, and traffic incident management workers. [139]

$125–$250Violations are a primary offense [140] [141] [139]
Washington 2010Illegal for all drivers$124, more if an accident resultsText messaging or cell phone use without a hands free device is a primary offense. [142] [143]
West Virginia Summer 2012Text messaging and the use of handheld cell phones are illegal for all drivers in West Virginia. Teenagers who have a learner's permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using wireless communication devices while driving. School bus drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while operating the vehicles.$100 (first offense), then $200, then $300. Three points against the driver's license on the third and subsequent convictions.West Virginia's texting & handheld cell phone law and 17C-14-15 [144]
Wisconsin December 1, 2010Illegal for all drivers

The law is primary, meaning police officers can stop motorists suspected of this offense alone.

First offense: $20–$400 fine and 4 points on license

Second offense: $200–$800 fine

Signed into Law: May 5, 2010 Wisconsin DOT
Wyoming July 1, 2010Sending message from any electronic device while driving declared illegal.$75 for first offense. [145]

Notable collisions

Technology as a solution

A sign in West University Place, Texas (Greater Houston), advising drivers that they are not allowed to text NotextinganddrivingWestUTX.JPG
A sign in West University Place, Texas (Greater Houston), advising drivers that they are not allowed to text

In 2009, it was reported that some companies, including iZUP, ZoomSafer, Aegis Mobility, and cellcontrol by obdEdge employ systems that place restrictions on cell phone usage based on the phone's GPS signal, data from the car itself or from nearby cellphone towers. [157] Also, companies like TextNoMore offer an opt-in solution that rewards users for activating.

The use of telematics to detect drunk driving and texting while driving has been proposed. [158] A US patent application combining this technology with a usage based insurance product was open for public comment on peer to patent. [159] The insurance product would not bar texting while driving, but would charge drivers who text and drive a higher premium.

In recent years, location-based technologies that detect potential texting while driving situations have been developed for both the Android operating system and the iPhone operating system (iOS). Other technologies have been developed for law enforcement. A search for "no texting while driving" in Google Play or in the Apple App Store will find several applications that promote safer driving, either through blocking texts, auto-responding or by educating drivers to the dangers of texting while driving. Some of these apps are "paired" and require installation of the app on both the parents' phone and the driver's phones. Paired apps allow remote monitoring of a driver's actions.

Android operating system: In addition to Android Auto, there are apps that utilize the GPS and Network Location services of Android mobile phones to estimate the speed that the cell phone is travelling at the time text messages are sent. As noted before, some of these apps are "paired". One example of a paired app is "TextWatcher". The recommended approach for this app is for parents to install the app on their children's Android mobile phone to silently monitor texting, to send alerts when potential texting while driving situations occur, and to counsel phone holders (in this case, teenage drivers) after the fact. [160] Another app, "Textecution", determines when the phone is traveling higher than 10 mph and shuts down texting abilities. [161]

iPhone operating system (iOS): Apple iPhones using iOS 11 or later have a built-in feature called "Do Not Disturb While Driving". This feature is part of the operating system and does not need to be added or downloaded separately. It uses parameters such as motion detection and network connections to detect driving and can be activated in the iPhone's "Do Not Disturb" settings. To find this feature, tap the "Settings" icon, and then scroll down to "Do Not Disturb". Next, scroll down to "Do Not Disturb While Driving". Once turned on, it will block incoming text messages while the car is being driven. It will also auto-respond to those texts with a customizable message that lets senders know that a person is driving and cannot receive text messages. It can be set to activate in one of three ways: automatically detect driving, activate when connected by Bluetooth to a hands-free device, or it can be set to be activated manually. [162]

Law Enforcement: Over the past few months, various state police forces in Australia have started trial use of cameras that have the ability to pick up errant drivers from more than 500 metres away. [163] Police in Western Australia make use of undercover motorcycles to keep an eye on other motorists and any offence will be recorded on the motorcycle officer's helmet camera. [164] Police in India have become more aggressive on a wide variety of traffic violations and once again, there is a widespread use of cameras. [165]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Driving</span> Operation of a vehicle

Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a land vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. Permission to drive on public highways is granted based on a set of conditions being met and drivers are required to follow the established road and traffic laws in the location they are driving. The word driving, has etymology dating back to the 15th century and has developed as what driving has encompassed has changed from working animals in the 15th to automobiles in the 1800s. Driving skills have also developed since the 15th century with physical, mental and safety skills being required to drive. This evolution of the skills required to drive have been accompanied by the introduction of driving laws which relate to not only the driver but the driveability of a car.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Handsfree</span>

Handsfree is an adjective describing equipment that can be used without the use of hands or, in a wider sense, equipment which needs only limited use of hands, or for which the controls are positioned so that the hand can occupy themselves with another task without needing to hunt far afield for the controls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Text messaging</span> Act of typing and sending a brief, digital message

Text messaging, or texting, is the act of composing and sending electronic messages, typically consisting of alphabetic and numeric characters, between two or more users of mobile devices, desktops/laptops, or another type of compatible computer. Text messages may be sent over a cellular network or may also be sent via satellite or Internet connection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Driving under the influence</span> Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of an impairing substance

Driving under the influence (DUI) is the offense of driving, operating, or being in control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, to a level that renders the driver incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely. Multiple other terms are used for the offense in various jurisdictions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile telephony</span> Provision of telephone services to phones

Mobile telephony is the provision of telephone services to mobile phones rather than fixed-location phones. Telephony is supposed to specifically point to a voice-only service or connection, though sometimes the line may blur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OnStar</span> Subsidiary of General Motors

OnStar Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, emergency services, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems throughout the United States, Canada, China, Mexico, Europe, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile phones and driving safety</span> Cell phone use during driving and its safety

Mobile phone use while driving is common but it is dangerous due to its potential for causing distracted driving and subsequent crashes. Due to the number of crashes that are related to conducting calls on a phone and texting while driving, some jurisdictions have made the use of calling on a phone while driving illegal in an attempt to curb the practice, with varying levels of efficacy. Many jurisdictions have enacted laws making handheld mobile phone use illegal. Many jurisdictions allow use of a hands-free device. Driving while using a hands-free device has been found by some studies to provide little to no benefit versus holding the device itself and carrying on a conversation. In some cases restrictions are directed only at minors, those who are newly qualified license holders, or to drivers in school zones. In addition to voice calling, activities such as texting while driving, web browsing, playing video games, or phone use in general may also increase the risk of a crash.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In-car entertainment</span> Automotive entertainment system

In-car entertainment (ICE), or in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), is a collection of hardware and software in automobiles that provides audio or video entertainment. In car entertainment originated with car audio systems that consisted of radios and cassette or CD players, and now includes automotive navigation systems, video players, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, carputers, in-car internet, and WiFi. Once controlled by simple dashboards knobs and dials, ICE systems can include steering wheel audio controls, handsfree voice control, touch-sensitive preset buttons, and even touch screens on higher-end units. Latest models of In-car entertainment systems are coming equipped with rear-view cameras along with side cameras for better safety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile phone</span> Portable device to make telephone calls using a radio link

A mobile phone is a portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a radio frequency link while the user is moving within a telephone service area, as opposed to a fixed-location phone. The radio frequency link establishes a connection to the switching systems of a mobile phone operator, which provides access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Modern mobile telephone services use a cellular network architecture, and therefore mobile telephones are called cellphones in North America. In addition to telephony, digital mobile phones support a variety of other services, such as text messaging, multimedia messaging, email, Internet access, short-range wireless communications, satellite access, business applications, payments, multimedia playback and streaming, digital photography, and video games. Mobile phones offering only basic capabilities are known as feature phones ; mobile phones that offer greatly advanced computing capabilities are referred to as smartphones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Traffic collision</span> Incident when a vehicle collides with another object

A traffic collision, also known as a motor vehicle collision, occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other moving or stationary obstruction, such as a tree, pole or building. Traffic collisions often result in injury, disability, death, and property damage as well as financial costs to both society and the individuals involved. Road transport is the most dangerous situation people deal with on a daily basis, but casualty figures from such incidents attract less media attention than other, less frequent types of tragedy. The commonly used term car accident is increasingly falling out of favor with many government departments and organizations, with the Associated Press style guide recommending caution before using the term. Some collisions are intentional vehicle-ramming attacks, staged crashes, vehicular homicide or vehicular suicide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Distracted driving</span> Driving while engaging in other activities

Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaging in other activities which distract the driver's attention away from the road. Distractions are shown to compromise the safety of the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and people in other vehicles.

National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW) is conducted annually during the third week of October in the United States. It was established by Congress in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SaveLIFE Foundation</span>

SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on improving road safety and emergency medical care across India. SLF combines evidence-based research with policy advocacy, communication, and on-ground execution of projects in the two areas of crash prevention as well as post-crash response. Over the past few years, SLF has facilitated the enactment of the Good Samaritan Law in India, which insulates lay rescuers of injured victims from ensuing legal and procedural hassles. It has also adopted the Mumbai Pune Expressway to transform it into a Zero Fatality Corridor, trained several thousand Police personnel and citizens in basic life-saving techniques, and built technology platforms to assist road users and those interested in road safety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Problematic smartphone use</span> Psychological dependence on smartphones

Problematic smartphone use is psychological or behavioral dependence on cell phones. It is closely related to other forms of digital media overuse such as social media addiction or internet addiction disorder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Restrictions on cell phone use while driving in the United States</span> U.S. laws regulating use of electronic mobile devices by motorists

Various laws in the United States regulate the use of mobile phones and other electronics by motorists. Different states take different approaches. Some laws affect only novice drivers or commercial drivers, while some laws affect all drivers. Some laws target handheld devices only, while other laws affect both handheld and handsfree devices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Work-related road safety in the United States</span>

People who are driving as part of their work duties are an important road user category. First, workers themselves are at risk of road traffic injury. Contributing factors include fatigue and long work hours, delivery pressures, distractions from mobile phones and other devices, lack of training to operate the assigned vehicle, vehicle defects, use of prescription and non-prescription medications, medical conditions, and poor journey planning. Death, disability, or injury of a family wage earner due to road traffic injury, in addition to causing emotional pain and suffering, creates economic hardship for the injured worker and family members that may persist well beyond the event itself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile phone use in schools</span>

The use of mobile phones in schools has become a controversial topic debated by students, parents, teachers and authorities.

A textalyzer is a proposed device that would allow the police to detect illegal text messaging while driving. The device has been promoted as a means of reducing distracted driving. The device would be used by police officers who suspect that a driver has been texting while driving using similar procedures currently in place for drivers suspected of driving under the influence. The device would be connected to the driver's mobile phone and would scan the phone for calls, e-mails, or text messages sent when the driver would have been operating the vehicle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anti-Distracted Driving Act</span> Philippine law

The Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA), officially designated as Republic Act No. 10913, is a Philippine law that prohibits distracted driving by restricting and penalizing the use of mobile phones and other electronics devices while driving on any public thoroughfare, highway, or street in the Philippines. The republic act defines "distracted driving" as "using mobile communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication or to make or receive calls" or "using an electronic entertainment or computing device to play games, watch movies, surf the internet, compose messages, read e-books, perform calculations, and other similar acts" while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle or while temporarily stopped at a red light. The law covers all private and public vehicles, including agricultural machines, construction equipment, public utility buses and jeepneys, taxicabs, motorcycles, tricycles, pedicabs, kuligligs and carriages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acusensus</span> Technology company developing distracted driving prevention

Acusensus is a technology company that provides automated recognition of drivers using mobile phones while driving in order to enforce traffic safety laws intended to prevent distracted driving.

References

  1. "Cell Phones". Teen Driver Source. September 8, 2016. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  2. Catherine Chase, J. D. (February 14, 2011). "The Dangers of Distracted Driving". Annals of Advances in Automotive Medicine. Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine. Annual Scientific Conference. 58: 84–98. PMC   4001667 . PMID   24776229.
  3. "The 25 Scariest Texting and Driving Accident Statistics". Icebike.org. October 3, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  4. Adolph, Martin. "Decreasing Driver Distraction." International Telecommunication Union. August 2010.
  5. Hosking, S.G., Young, K.L., & Regan, M.A. (2006). "The effects of text messaging on young novice driver performance" (PDF). Retrieved 16 August 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. Hosking, Simon; Kristie Young; Michael Regan. The Effects of Text Messaging on Young Novice Driver Performance (PDF).
  7. "Text messaging not illegal but data clear on its peril". Democratandchronicle.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  8. Mark Wilson (7 August 2007). "89% of Americans Want Texting While Driving Outlawed". Gizmodo. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  9. Springer, Brandon. "Texting While Driving Is 6 Times More Likely To Cause Accidents Than Drunk Driving". LinkedIn Pulse Content. Retrieved October 13, 2021. New research has emerged that using voice commands to send text messages and emails from behind the wheel, which is marketed as a safer alternative for drivers, actually is more distracting and dangerous than simply talking on a cellphone, a new AAA study found. The study expanded to show findings that texting while driving is about 6 times more likely to cause a collision than drunk driving.
  10. 1 2 Hanowski, Richard (June 3, 2009). Driver Distraction in Commercial Vehicle Operations (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 15, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2009. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 1, 2010. Retrieved July 30, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. Cooper, Robert. "Cooper Proposal Assignment ENG". Academia.edu.
  12. 1 2 "Teens and Distracted Driving". Pew Research Center. November 16, 2009. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
  13. "Driver Distraction in Commercial Vehicle Operations" (PDF). U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  14. Valencia, Milton (May 8, 2009). "MBTA: Conductor in Boston trolley crash was texting his girlfriend". The Boston Globe.
  15. "Jersey Drivers Text More; Say New Yorkers Are Worse" (PDF). Publicmind.fdu.edu. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  16. Austin, Michael (June 2009). "Texting While Driving: How Dangerous is it?". Car and Driver . Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  17. "Texting And Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving at cnbc.com". CNBC. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  18. Paul McNamara (September 28, 2010). "Texting while driving bans don't work, may actually hurt, study finds". Network World. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  19. ""Warning about mobile phone driving danger" at which.co.uk". March 2, 2012. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  20. O'Malley Olsen, Emoly; et al. (June 2013). "Texting While Driving and Other Risky Motor Vehicle Behaviors Among US High School Students". Pediatrics. 131 (6). Retrieved June 18, 2013.
  21. "National Safety Council" (PDF). Nsc.org. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  22. "Virgo". Search.lib.virginia.edu. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  23. Arbuthnott, George; Ward, Audrey (June 8, 2014). "Texts worse than drink-driving". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on July 8, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  24. "Using a mobile while driving 'worse than drink or drugs'". itv. June 8, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  25. "This Habit Causes More Injuries than Texting and Driving... And You're Probably Doing It". Catania and Catania. June 10, 2014. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  26. Sawyer, B.D., Finomore, V.S., Calvo, A.A. and Hancock, P.A., "Google Glass: A Driver Distraction Cause or Cure?" in Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society , November 2014, 56: pp.1307-1321, doi:10.1177/0018720814555723
  27. "Tales Out of School". Center for Transportation Safety. October 14, 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  28. "Hands-Free Austin | Police | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin". www.austintexas.gov. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  29. "Teens Learn Distracted Driving Habits From Parents [STUDY]". Aceable. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  30. "Texting While Driving Greatly Increases Crash Risks". Younginjurylaw.com. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  31. Clayton Hasbrook (May 28, 2014). "Survey: More Than Fourth of Drivers Text While Driving" . Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  32. "Texting While Driving: An Empirical Investigation of Students' Attitudes and Behaviors". Content.ebscohost.com. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  33. Texting And Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving, CNBC, June 25, 2009.
  34. Larry Copeland (September 20, 2010). "Teens missing message on road texting risk". USA Today. Retrieved September 21, 2010. Many teens view texting while driving as less risky than drunken driving despite a sustained campaign against texting behind the wheel and research indicating it's as dangerous as drinking and driving, a new survey for State Farm insurance company finds. ... talk show host Oprah Winfrey regularly urges her millions of viewers not to do it,
  35. "April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month". Winters & Yonker, P.A. March 28, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
  36. Rahmillah, Fety Ilma; Tariq, Amina; King, Mark; Oviedo-Trespalacios, Oscar (2023). "Is distraction on the road associated with maladaptive mobile phone use? A systematic review". Accident Analysis & Prevention. 181. Elsevier: 106900. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2022.106900 . PMID   36580764.
  37. "Traffic Safety Facts : Distracted Driving 2010" (PDF). Nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  38. "April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month - Virginia Tech Transportation Institute - Virginia Tech". April 15, 2013. Archived from the original on September 13, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  39. "The Dangers of Texting While Driving". Federal Communications Commission. February 14, 2011. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  40. Carpenter, Christopher S.; Nguyen, Hai V. (September 11, 2014). "Effects of a Driver Cellphone Ban on Overall, Handheld, and Hands-Free Cellphone Use While Driving: New Evidence from Canada". Health Economics. 24 (11): 1452–1467. doi:10.1002/hec.3098. ISSN   1057-9230. PMID   25208808.
  41. "Telefonieren vor roter Ampel: Gericht erlaubt Handy am Ohr - bei Autos mit Start-Stopp-Funktion" [Calling at the red light: Court allows cell at the ear - in cars with a start-stop system]. Der Spiegel (in German). October 28, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  42. "Mag ik bellen in de auto?" [Can I use my phone in a car?] (in Dutch). Dutch Government. March 24, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  43. "Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (SR 2004/427) (as at 01 January 2014) 7.3A Ban on use of mobile phones while driving". New Zealand Legislation. January 1, 2014 [2004]. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  44. "Driving rules and legislation". New Zealand Police. September 23, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  45. Ljungholm, Markus (December 22, 2012). "nget förbud mot sms under bilkörning". SVT Nyheter (in Swedish). .svt.se. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  46. Fredrik Rundkvist (June 3, 2016). "De här möter du – varje dag". Aftonbladet (in Swedish). Retrieved March 19, 2017.
  47. "Sheikh Abdullah thanks police after texting while driving stop". Thenational.ae. 20 December 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  48. "Using mobile phones when driving: the law". Gov.uk. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  49. Garrity, Liam (2023-07-07). "Missouri Governor Parson signs distracted driving bill; marks the 49th state to ban texting while driving for all ages". www.ky3.com. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
  50. "U Drive. U Text. U Pay". Dot.gov. September 8, 2016.
  51. "Distracted Driving". Distraction.gov. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  52. "We the People: Your Voice in Our Government". Archived from the original on June 16, 2014.
  53. "Government Bans Texting By Truck And Bus Drivers". NPR . Archived from the original on January 27, 2010.
  54. "Research & Statistics". EndDD. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  55. "Act No.2012.291" (PDF). Alabama Department of Public Safety. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  56. "Alaska Cell Phone & Texting and Driving Laws". Drivinglaws.org. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  57. "Arizona: Cell phone laws, legislation". Arizona Department of Public Safety. State of Arizona. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
  58. "House Bill 2318". State of Arizona. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
  59. "Arkansas Cell Phone & Texting and Driving Laws". Drivinglaws.org. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  60. "House Bill 1031" (PDF). Arkleg.state.ar.us. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  61. Yi, Matthew (September 25, 2008). "California bans text messaging while driving". The San Francisco Chronicle.
  62. "V C Section 23123 Hand Held Wireless Telephone Prohibited Use". California Department of Motor Vehicles. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014. Retrieved June 15, 2014.
  63. "Distracted Driving and Cell Phone Use | Colorado General Assembly". leg.colorado.gov. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  64. "Consequences for Texting and Driving - How Much Do the Laws and Fines Vary State by State?". Drivers Ed & Traffic School - DmvEdu.org. 2023-01-04. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  65. Ingold, John (June 2, 2009). "Colorado criminalizes texting, tweeting while driving". Denver Post. Archived from the original on June 11, 2009.
  66. "Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 248, Section 14-296aa". Archived from the original on February 26, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  67. "State Distracted Driving Driving Laws". Ghsa.org. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  68. "Washington DC Cell Phone, Text Messaging, & Hands Free Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
  69. "Texting while driving ban passes, goes to Gov. Rick Scott". CFN 13. Archived from the original on May 6, 2013. Retrieved May 2, 2013.
  70. "Florida Cell Phone & Texting and Driving Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  71. "News: Georgia politics, Atlanta elections, Georgia Legislature". Ajc.com. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  72. "Georgia Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  73. "Hands Free Georgia Law (HB673)". Dds.georgia.gov. Archived from the original on 2018-06-13. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  74. [ permanent dead link ]
  75. "Texting and driving ban now officially law in Idaho | News - Home". Localnews8.com. May 20, 2013. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  76. "Idaho Statutes: Title 49: Motor Vehicles, Chapter 14: Traffic-Enforcement and General Provisions, 49-1401A - Texting While Driving". State of Idaho Legislature. Archived from the original on September 13, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  77. "Illinois Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  78. Howlett, Rick (May 2, 2011). "Indiana texting ban to take effect later this year". WFPL. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2011.
  79. "Iowa: Cell phone laws, legislation". handsfreeinfo.com. December 10, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  80. "Kansas Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  81. Steitzer, Stephanie (July 14, 2010). "Texting while driving ban, other new Kentucky laws take effect today". The Courier-Journal . Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved July 15, 2010.
  82. "Louisiana Traffic Safety Laws". Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Archived from the original on August 15, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  83. "Maine Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  84. Wagner, John (March 18, 2009). "Md. Senate Passes Ban on Texting While Driving". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  85. "BILL INFO-2009 Regular Session-SB 98". Mlis.state.md.us. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  86. "Massachusetts bans texting while driving and GPS on phones - Mobile". Geek.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  87. "Massachusetts Bans Texting While Driving". Truckinginfo.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  88. Moskowitz, Eric (September 30, 2010). "Safe driving law applies to more than just texting behind wheel". Boston.com. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  89. "Michigan texting while driving ban will be signed into law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Friday's 'Oprah Winfrey Show'". MLive.com. April 29, 2010. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  90. "Archived copy". www.legislature.mi.gov. Archived from the original on 19 February 2011. Retrieved 22 February 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  91. "Minnesota Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". Drivinglaws.org. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  92. "Pawlenty signs ban on texting while driving, plus teen driver restrictions - Minneapolis and St. Paul - kare11.com". Archived from the original on January 27, 2013.
  93. Archived April 22, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  94. "Mississippi Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  95. "Mississippi: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  96. "Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 304, Traffic Regulations". Missouri General Assembly. Archived from the original on April 2, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
  97. "Montana: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  98. "Nebraska: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  99. "Nevada: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  100. "Nevada Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Archived from the original on July 18, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  101. "New Hampshire Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  102. "New New Hampshire: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  103. "New Jersey Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  104. "New Jersey: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  105. "New Mexico Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  106. "New Mexico: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  107. "NYS DMV - Cell Phone and Texting Laws". Dmv.ny.gov. October 5, 2011. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  108. "Vehicle & Traffic Law - Distracted Driving, Talking & Texting". Safeny.ny.gov. July 12, 2011. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  109. "The Pendulum - Elon University's News Organization". The Pendulum. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  110. "Archived copy" (PDF). www.ncdot.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 June 2010. Retrieved 22 February 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  111. "North Carolina: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  112. ""North Dakota Cell Phone and Texting Laws" at drivinglaws.org". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  113. "North Dakota: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  114. "The Facts About Texting and Driving". Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
  115. "Kasich Signs Statewide Texting Ban for Drivers". WBNS-10TV Columbus, Ohio. June 2012. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  116. "Oklahoma Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  117. "Oklahoma: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  118. "Oklahoma Legislative Bill 2276" (PDF). Oklahoma Legislator Website. Oklahoma Legislator. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  119. "Enrolled House Bill No. 1965" (PDF). Webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  120. "Relating to use of mobile communication device while driving; amending ORS 811.507". Archived from the original on April 16, 2010.
  121. "Pennsylvania's Texting Law Goes Into Effect, Supersedes Philadelphia's Cell Laws « CBS Philly". Philadelphia.cbslocal.com. March 8, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  122. "Pennsylvania: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  123. "Rhode Island: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  124. "Rhode Island Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  125. "S 459" . Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  126. Seanna, Adcox (June 13, 2014). "Texting while driving now illegal statewide in SC". The Sun News. Archived from the original on June 19, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  127. "South Carolina passes statewide texting ban". carolinalive.com. WPDE. Archived from the original on August 4, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  128. "Gov. Haley signs texting ban". wbtw.com. WBTW. Archived from the original on June 15, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  129. "SC becomes 49th state to outlaw texting while driving". wmbfnews.com. WMBF-TV. 11 June 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  130. "Texting while driving now illegal statewide in SC". wmbfnews.com. WMBF-TV. Archived from the original on June 15, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  131. Griffin, Courtney. "Texting while driving ban also includes Facebook, Twitter & Emails". WPDE. Archived from the original on June 28, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  132. "South Dakota Distracted Driving Laws". CarInsurancePedia. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  133. "South Dakota: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  134. "Senate Bill 393" (PDF). Capitol.tn.gov.
  135. "Texting and driving will be illegal in Texas after Sept. 1 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram". www.star-telegram.com. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  136. "Utah Code". Archived from the original on June 12, 2010.
  137. "Utah Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  138. "Distracted Driving". Dmv.vermont.gov. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  139. 1 2 "Virginia HB874 | 2020 | Regular Session". LegiScan. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  140. "Virginia Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  141. "Virginia: Cell phone, texting laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  142. "Washington state: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  143. "RCW 46.61.668: Sending, reading, or writing a text message while driving". Washington State Legislature. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  144. "West Virginia: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  145. "Wyoming: Cell phone & texting laws, bills". HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  146. "Man who killed bicyclist gets 6 years". The Orange County Register. December 12, 2009. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  147. [ dead link ]
  148. "Feds probe texting before train crash - US news - Life - NBC News". NBC News. 15 September 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  149. "Trolley Driver Was Texting Girlfriend At Time Of Crash: 46 Injured In Green Line Crash" Archived February 22, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , WCVB, Boston, May 8, 2009.
  150. Texting Trolley Driver Could Face Charges, ABC News, May 11, 2009.
  151. Plastic Surgeon Was Texting in Car Before Fatal Crash, People, August 17, 2010.
  152. "Coca-Cola Hit with a $21 Million Distracted Driving Judgment". The National Law Review. Risk and Insurance Management Society. May 20, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  153. "Massachusetts Teen Aaron Deveau Found Guilty in Landmark Texting While Driving Case". Abcnews.go.com. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  154. "The Truth & Consequences of Distracted Driving". Texting and Driving. Best of Bikers. August 20, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  155. "Sun Prairie woman sentenced to 1 year in prison for fatal texting crash : Wsj". Host.madison.com. September 22, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  156. Witness: driver who hit church bus said he was texting, Mysanantonio.com, March 31, 2017.
  157. High-Tech Devices Help Drivers Put Down Phone, The New York Times , November 21, 2009.
  158. "Harold Davis "'Black Box' idea travels to cars", The News-Times, 5/22/09" (PDF). Marketsandpatents.com. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  159. "US patent application 20090063201 "SoberTeen driving insurance"". Archived from the original on June 18, 2010.
  160. "TxtWatcher Alerts Parents About Kids Texting While Driving || TxtWatcherTxtWatcher". Txtwatcher.com. March 13, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  161. "Product tries to brake texting". Business. Florida Times-Union . December 29, 2008.
  162. "How to use Do Not Disturb While Driving". Apple Support. 12 September 2022.
  163. "SA Police to look at using high-tech traffic cameras to nab drivers who illegally use mobile phones". April 17, 2014. Archived from the original on August 23, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  164. "WA police bust 1379 texting drivers" . Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  165. "Mangalore News Articles, Classifieds to Around the World". Mangalorean.com. Retrieved 16 January 2022.