Personal Injury Law

Text Messaging Concerns

By Beth Janicek

Texting while driving - I'm guilty of it. Furthermore, I am more guilty of talking on my cell phone while driving. This morning on the way to work, talking on my cell phone, not paying attention, changing lanes on the highway and almost side swiping another vehicle. Every close call I have, I convince myself, that's it, no more texting or talking on my cell phone. Then in this crazy, hectic world we live in, sure enough, it happens again.

In 2007, over one trillion text messages were sent. Though texting has become a habit for some and old habits are hard to break - more doctors are warning against it.

In Boston, News Center 5's Heather Unruh reported Tuesday how texting could put you and everyone around you at risk.

VIDEO: ER Doctors Issue Text Messaging Concerns

A study by AAA found 46 percent of 16- and 17-year-old drivers admitted text messaging while behind the wheel and the same study showed most accidents happen with people age 19-26. Sadly, I am not even in that age group and I'm guilty. Texting is not just happening while driving. At my local gym, while running on the treadmill, people are texting and/or talking on their cell phones.

Several states have passed bans against driving while texting (DWT) and all states should. Penalizing individuals who DWT may help decrease our accidents.

Full post as published by San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer on August 01, 2008 (boomark / email).