Texting while driving (TWD) has been in the news a lot lately — most recently because of a new gone-viral video on YouTube that dramatizes its dangers. Although it's frequently lumped into the category of “distracted driving,” TWD is a far cry from just talking on a cell phone. Talking basically translates to a phone and a crunched-up shoulder, leaving one hand free for steering. For the unskilled among us, TWD frequently requires the use of both hands — one to hold the device and the other to text. It also involves translating abstract thought into written language, no matter how truncated that language may be. Most importantly, TWD requires a driver to take his eyes off the road, making it both mentally and physically distracting.

While drunk driving is being driven into oblivion by a convergence of tougher policing and DUI laws and social pressure from groups like MADD and the general public, TWD doesn't seem to have the same stigma. Drunk driving is bad in part because it suggests a lack of a self-control. Texting while driving frequently involves work — and in today's neo-Puritanical society where people are working longer and harder than ever, what could possibly be wrong with working constantly, even behind the wheel?

And guess what? Your peers are not only doing it, but admitting to it. We conduct a weekly “quick poll” on the AA&B Web site, with questions ranging from the silly (name your favorite fast food) to the serious (weighing in on the health insurance reform debate). The question that has gotten the biggest response so far was, “Have you ever texted while driving?” — and almost a third of the respondents admitted that they had. If TWD levels are that significant among insurance people – who should really know better – the numbers are probably much higher in the general population.

While unscientific, our survey suggests that TWD isn't the exclusive domain of Gen Y-ers, who I don't think comprise much of AA&B's readership. Text-intensive social networks like Twitter are peopled primarily by the 35-and-up demographic. Maybe it's just me, but the thought of a horde of aging drivers texting and hurtling down the expressway at 85 mph in their 5,000-pound SUVs beats the hell out of any Stephen King novel for scare value.

But the tide may be turning. Some states are passing laws prohibiting TWD, and federal legislation is on the table as well. A recent survey by Nationwide Insurance found that 80 percent of Americans favor a ban on texting while driving, while two thirds favor a ban on cell phone calls, and more than half say they would support a ban on cell phone use altogether.

It's unclear whether any laws will really stop the hard-core from texting while driving, but at least it might make them stop and think — even if they're only thinking about avoiding a costly ticket or better yet, a jail sentence.

And for those of you who are proud of your TWD ways — please let me know when you plan on being on the road so I can stay home.

Special Reports /

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