Twitter In The Car, Is It Dangerous?
Is there a difference between texting and driving, and Twittering and driving? According to some states in the nation, there is a substantial difference. KSL News has reported on the discrepancy between some state legislatures’ words and their actions. Many states have outlawed text-messaging while behind the wheel. Yet more than 22 of these states offer motorists with traffic updates and road conditions through Twitter, which many commuters check on their phones.
There are good intentions behind both the text-messaging ban and the Twitter updates. Transportation officials want to help commuters through difficult traffic situation, while state legislatures are trying to ensure the public safety. Yet many traffic safety advocates believe this practice of state-sponsored twittering negates text-messaging laws. However, transportation officials argue that they are not urging people to check their Twitter accounts while driving, but should do so before they get behind the wheel. Safety experts, including AAA, aren’t convinced, and worry that drivers are more prone to being involved in an accident from checking their Twitter accounts.
Texting and driving is an extremely dangerous distraction for Utah motorists. But the risks do not stop with texting. Using your cell phone to check email, read the news, or update your Facebook account is just as dangerous as texting. Just dialing a cell phone increases your risk of collision by six times, according to a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. For your safety, and that of your passengers and fellow motorists, turn off your cell phone before getting behind the wheel. For more information on cell phone statistics and research, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s online library.
