BY KATIE GAISER
Lions’ Pride Layout Editor

I always wonder every time I start to text while I’m driving if this is going to be the time I crash into on-coming traffic or hit a kid on a bicycle because I wasn’t paying attention. I mean, I try my best to keep my eyes on the road, but accidents happen in that split second that people don’t pay attention when they adjust the radio, talk to their passengers, or in my case, reply to a text message.

Take a second to Google the phrase “car accidents caused by cell phones.” I did, and trust me, the results are endless. Hundreds of articles, research studies, and statistics have been posted on countless websites over the last ten years all pointing to the same general theory: cell phone use in cars equals danger.

Now, according to the Governor Highway Safety Association, only 18 states have banned text messaging while driving (http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html). However, the fact that more than half the states in this country still permit text messaging in cars has caused one group to demand action.

AAA Auto Club South is pushing to ban text messaging in cars throughout all 50 states by the year 2013. This knowledge didn’t necessarily thrill me because I often do text message while I drive. I know a lot of drivers like me will be upset if this law is passed because many feel they can text message safely and it isn’t a problem.

However, let’s just consider for a few moments the benefits of this legislation being passed. For the sake of arguing, let’s say that the majority of Americans who use text messaging while driving fall roughly between the ages of 16 and 35. Now, think of the thousands of drivers who fall under this category and how often these people are glancing away from the road to look at their phones. Just add up all the time these people, including myself, spend not paying attention to what’s going on in front of them. Think how many accidents could be prevented if people were just paying attention that split second the car stopped short in front of them or that split second the car was turning or running a red light etc. I’m willing to bet my cell phone that it would make a huge difference.

People who text message while they drive also swerve and speed. I know there are plenty of guilty parties who can recall a time or two when they have slightly veered towards the middle or side of the road as they were typing. I also know that people can unknowingly increase their speed when they are not paying attention to how fast they are going. I am definitely guilty of this. I have glanced down for a few moments to respond to a text and suddenly found myself going 10-15mph over the speed limit. It happens too easily and too commonly.

If there was a rally somewhere protesting the use of text messaging while driving, I’m not saying I would be there. Frankly, I’d probably still be one of the drivers cursing off these people for trying to take my privilege away. However, I do understand why the passing of this legislation wouldn’t be such a bad idea. I would much rather be unable to text while I’m driving then cause an accident and potentially kill a person. Is texting really worth taking lives?

And that’s what she said.