| Texting while driving is extremely dangerous. | | | | cutting edge technology that will eliminate that |
| Everyone already knows that, but here are some | | | | danger. |
| of the recently published results of The Pew | | | | With new laws and legislation banning texting while |
| Internet & American Life Project survey. The | | | | driving and requiring the use of hands-free |
| study surveyed 800 teens in 4 US cities over the | | | | devices, it's up to technology to bridge the gap |
| summer of 2009 and came up with some | | | | and allow drivers to use their telecommunications |
| startling results. | | | | equipment to keep in touch. |
| Pew estimates that 26% of all American teens | | | | The fact is that there is new technology out |
| between the ages of 16-17 have texted while | | | | there right now that will allow texting while driving |
| driving, and 48% of teens between the ages of | | | | safely through a hands-free device, but very few |
| 12-17 have witnessed someone else texting while | | | | people know about it or use it. It's a cutting edge |
| driving! Frankly, I'm a little surprised that the | | | | speech to text technology similar to the voice to |
| number isn't higher. | | | | speech writing software currently on the market |
| The research is also indicative of the fact that | | | | and it's extremely easy to use. |
| children might be picking up the dangerous | | | | In fact, I suspect that this new technology will |
| behavior of texting while driving from their | | | | explode in the United States over the next year |
| parents. The report states that, "the frequency | | | | because it effectively addresses the problem of |
| of teens reporting parent cell phone use behind | | | | using mobile devices while driving and promises to |
| the wheel in our focus groups was striking, and | | | | keep more people safe on the road. |
| suggested that, in many cases, texting while | | | | This new speech to text technology is an |
| driving is a family affair." | | | | especially important step forward for our |
| Texting while driving is clearly a problem with | | | | youngest drivers who don't have the experience |
| teens -- after all, they think that nothing bad can | | | | and the good judgment to take the privilege of |
| ever happen to them, but I believe that it's also a | | | | driving seriously and exercise caution using |
| problem for adults who should know better. Not a | | | | telecommunications equipment in the car. |
| day goes by that I don't see adults operating their | | | | If you or someone you love is addicted to their |
| cell phones while driving at the same time. | | | | mobile devices, then you've got to take |
| It's a safety hazard to them and to all the other | | | | advantage of the new technology and eliminate |
| people on the road. It's unfortunate that so many | | | | the danger of having an accident simply because |
| people put their own life and the lives of others in | | | | you couldn't stop yourself from texting in the car. |
| jeopardy simply so that they can stay in touch | | | | The possible life-saving technology exists to allow |
| while in the car, especially when there is new | | | | you to be texting while driving safely -- Use it! |