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Anoka High School SADD members help Sen. Amy Klobuchar send the message about the dangers of text messaging while driving. Photo submitted |
Klobuchar is cosponsoring the Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act (ALERT Drivers Act). It would require states to pass laws that ban the writing, reading and sending of text or e-mail messages while operating a motor vehicle. The legislation would give states two years to comply or otherwise risk losing 25 percent of their federal highway funding.
Klobuchar serves on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which will consider the legislation before it goes to the full senate.
Since Aug. 1, 2008, Minnesota has had a state law banning anyone from texting on a cell phone or other personal electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, whether the vehicle is in motion or part of traffic. However, 32 states have no laws that restrict texting while driving – including Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota.
Klobuchar pointed to a recent national research study which found that drivers are 23 times more likely to get into an accident when texting while driving. The researchers observed that, in the moments before a crash or near-crash, drivers typically spent nearly five seconds looking at their electronic devices. At normal highway speeds, that is enough time to cover more than the full length of a football field.
Klobuchar also noted a national survey this year by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which found that 87 percent of the public considers texting while driving to be a “very serious threat” to their safety. The public fears drivers who are texting nearly as much as they fear drivers who are drunk.
“About 20 to 30 percent of all drivers admit to texting,” said Klobuchar. “For younger drivers, the rate is much higher, 50 percent or more. Texting while driving is a very serious public safety concern. It’s a national problem, and it deserves a national response.”
Among those joining Klobuchar for the announcement were teacher Patricia Halsey and students from the Anoka High School chapter of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). The chapter received a national award earlier this year for their safe driving efforts.