GHSA Supports Ban on Texting While Driving

Citing new research from a Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study, the Governors Highway Safety Association, a group composed of members appointed by governors, has reversed its stance and officially endorsed state bans on texting while driving. The study showed that those that text during driving are 23 x more likely to crash. What’s surprising about that is not that the GHSA  recently endorsed bans, but that it ever had a different stance to begin with. Kind of makes you wonder what exactly the GHSA has been doing for the past half-decade. The organization apparently opposed such bans because they would be difficult to enforce. While they still acknowledge the difficulty of enforcement, the study has pushed them over the edge toward at least recognizing the importance of enactment.

Here’s what Chairman Vernon F. Betkey Jr. said in a statement.: “The action by the GHSA membership is based on the fact that texting while driving is indisputably a distraction and a serious highway safety problem. If every state passes a texting ban, it will send a message to the public that this dangerous practice is unacceptable. We can begin to change the culture that has permitted distracted driving.” Thank you Mr. Chairman and GHSA for your insightful, proactive action.

While the GHSA ponders whether or not the occassional nap presents a hazard to the nation’s roadways, the state of Utah has enacted a texting-while-driving law that threatens up to 15 years in prison for those that cause accidents as a results. Expect more to follow. [via Ars Technica] [Photo: Josiah Mackenzie]