April 2012: Original research results reported at Pediatric Academic Societies meeting .

Fun Facts:

Nearly half of all texting adults admit having sent or read a text message while driving.  This means that within the general population 27% of American adults over all have sent or read a text message while driving. (Pew Internet and American Life Project, 2010)

44% of all adults say that they have been in a car when the driver put themselves or others at risk due to cell phone use.

Teens almost univerally state that their parents serve as role models for texting and driving, implying that as teens get more comfortable behind the wheel they will feel justified in texting while they drive.

80% of respondents in national surveys support a ban on text messaging and emailing while driving.  75% of those supporting enacting cell phone usage restriction believe the law should apply to all drivers not just specific groups.  (Nationwide Insurance Survey, “On Your Side”).

State laws banning texing in conjunction with high visibility enforcement campaigns have been shown to be effective.  Initial data indicates great success in reducing this dangerous habit.  Texting while driving declined 68% in Hartford, CT and 42% in Syracuse, NY. (NHTSA 2010)